pets

NOUN

favorite thing, person

Synonyms

STRONGEST

dog lover treasure

STRONG

beloved cat darling dear evergreen idol jewel love

WEAK

apple of eye persona grata

Antonyms

STRONG

hate

VERB

stroke, kiss

Synonyms

STRONGEST

caress coddle cuddle fondle pamper

STRONG

baby cosset dandle embrace grab hug love neck pat smooch spoil spoon touch

WEAK

make love

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.

A national “positive list” of which animals citizens are legally permitted to keep as pets.

From Slate • Jun. 6, 2026

The pest can also affect wild animals, pets and even people.

From Barron's • Jun. 6, 2026

Monroe’s library contained books about gardening, pets, cooking, self-improvement, politics, religion and theories of acting.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

People should also check themselves and their pets, and immediately report any detections to officials.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

Mom slowly reaches over and pets the back of my head.

From "How to Disappear Completely" by Ali Standish