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.

As he shook hands with Xi, he leaned in to pat him on the arm in what appeared to be a gesture of warmth.

From BBC • May 14, 2026

Not to pat ourselves on the back, but Barron’s made the case for Intel just last week, even after the stock rallied 220%.

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

So general manager Ken Holland did the prudent thing and largely stood pat, trading a couple of veterans for draft picks and making only a pair of minor acquisitions.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

If this event was such a destructive experience, why save it for the end except to provide a theatrical flourish—and a rather too pat explanation for his troubled life?

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

This time, it melts into my neck as soft as a pat of butter.

From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera