pet

[pet] / pɛt /

ADJECTIVE

favorite

Synonyms

STRONG

cherished darling dear dearest endearing favored loved preferred special

WEAK

affectionate precious

Antonyms

STRONG

common

WEAK

disfavored hated

NOUN

favorite thing, person

Synonyms

STRONGEST

dog lover treasure

STRONG

beloved cat darling dear evergreen idol jewel love

WEAK

apple of one's eye persona grata

VERB

stroke fondly

Synonyms

STRONGEST

caress coddle cuddle fondle pamper

STRONG

baby cosset dandle embrace grab hug love neck pat spoil touch

Antonyms

STRONGEST

ignore

STRONG

let go release

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.

But the streaming service isn't the only pet specific media on the market.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

“I have a pet peeve about mental-health narratives in a lot of movies,” says Shear.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

Van Wolfwinkle made his name creating, erm, unique pet portraits.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

The code even included a Tamagotchi-style pet called “Buddy” that users could interact with.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

I could pick one up and pet it any time I wanted and it wouldn’t bite me.

From "Summer of the Monkeys" by Wilson Rawls