as in favorites
a person or thing that is preferred over others
the teacher's pet was always getting special privileges
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in pats
to touch or handle in a tender or loving manner
a cat who loves to be petted
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pets
Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026
The actor talks about 'Charlie the Wonderdog,' the magic of childhood pets, and how Marley still inspires him to this day.
—Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 14 Jan. 2026
The Sorys are passionate about their pets and seem to put the animals’ needs before their own.
—Blake Farmer, Miami Herald, 13 Jan. 2026
Others said people are going through tough times and may have needed the food for their animals or others’ pets.
—Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 13 Jan. 2026
The drone used by Mission Viejo Animal Services can fly up more than 400 feet, giving the agency the ability to scan vast areas for missing pets, Werner said.
—Claire Wang, Oc Register, 13 Jan. 2026
Joslin said that helps reinforce that these animals are not pets.
—Beth Lipoff, Kansas City Star, 12 Jan. 2026
There aren't restrictions around owning other species as pets at the state level, but local governments can create their own rules.
—Nushrat Rahman, Freep.com, 12 Jan. 2026
The program also partnered with Project Street Vet to provide veterinary care — including vaccines, medications and check ups — to nearly 30 pets belonging to Inside Safe participants, the mayor’s office said.
—Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2026
Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 5 Dec. 2025
Feed pets indoors whenever possible.
—Andy Humbles, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Dec. 2025
Adoptable pets with black fur are less likely to be adopted, an article from Adopt a Report found.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Nov. 2025
Sometimes pets like to use fringe as toys, so be extra cautious with cats and dogs.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 17 Oct. 2025
Other big stories ➤ These pets up for adoption in metro Phoenix shelters this week.
—Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 17 Oct. 2025
Afterward, the monster has a moment with Wendy, who pets its head, and communicates with it using clicking noises.
—Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2025
Feed pets indoors whenever possible.
—Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 13 Sep. 2025
Feed pets indoors, or only put out enough for short time periods and bring leftovers and dishes back inside.
—C. A. Bridges, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025
Noun
For a more permanent setup, mounting it on the ceiling keeps the projector out of the way and minimizes the risk of people, pets, or objects impeding the projection.
—Verb
Participants dress head-to-toe in pink tutus and wigs, pets sport pink ribbons, and there’s even a Pink Soup Parade, complete with stilt walkers, marching bands, and dancers.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for pets
Noun
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Keep scrolling for my ten favorites and thank me later.—
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Keep scrolling to shop my favorites starting at $30.—
Verb
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The clip, shared by Sarah Ingle (@saraheingle), a dedicated dog fosterer, shows seven-month-old Cookie Crisps nestled in her arms while Ingle gently pats her bottom.—
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As a matter of fact, pats on the back are probably very few and far between.—
Noun
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Hawke seems most likely to still make it into the category as well, as one of the main critical darlings of the season, but faces the challenge of likely being the sole nominee for his film.—
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Whales have been beached Once upon a time, whales were the darlings of the beer scene.—
Verb
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Also starring Jack Palance and Fritz Lang, the behind-the-scenes drama about the making of a movie begins with Bardot lying nude on a bed as her husband (Michel Piccoli) caresses and praises her body.—
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Then Jennifer Tilly’s hand gently caresses Gina Gershon’s face from her cheek down to her chin.—
Verb
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For an artisanal twist, look no further than Ezcaray Matisse throw that looks as if Georgia O’Keeffe applied the paint brush strokes herself.—
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Research shows the risk of stroke also rises this time of year, and strokes present differently than heart attacks.—
Cite this Entry
“Pets.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pets. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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