pat

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

There’s a difference between films that pat themselves on the back for their didactic lessons and films that use simple moralistic terms to help as many people understand their messaging as quickly as possible.

From Salon • Jun. 13, 2026

While most economists expect the central bank to stand pat for another quarter, Barclays economists see a chance of a 12.5-basis-point hike in the June meeting.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 2026

Made with soft, cushiony materials, the doll also makes spontaneous requests, asking users to pat its head, hold its hand or share snacks with it, although it cannot eat.

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

Ahead of the opening arguments, Rinderknecht smoothed back his hair and his lawyer helped adjust his tie, before giving him a pat on the back.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

There were other grownies around, so he might have felt obligated to be kingly, to pat us on the head.

From "Everything Sad Is Untrue" by Daniel Nayeri