as in caressed
to touch or handle in a tender or loving manner
a cat who loves to be petted
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of petted
The Holy Father toured the project grounds, fed fish, petted horses and celebrated a liturgy for the program’s students, workers and their families.
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Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
Violet carefully reached her arm over and gently petted him.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for petted
Verb
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In a video shared by the Broncos from the unveiling, Smith is seen carefully caressed the statue of her son's face just after the curtain drops.—
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In one photo, the couple posed on the beach while Wyatt caressed her growing baby bump.—
Verb
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Edwards went over to the center after the play, discussed the situation, patted Gobert and moved forward.—
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While mingling with well-wishers, Charlotte, 10, gently patted her 12-year-old older brother’s back in a show of support and reassurance.—
Verb
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Influenced by her Indian heritage, Japanese craft philosophy, and the traditions of Shetland knitting, her work is highly distinctive and also wholly wearable; David and I stroked scarves, asymmetric wraps, and sweaters with yearning.—
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Trump’s allies have always stroked his ego to get their way.—
Cite this Entry
“Petted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/petted. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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