Find Antonyms

pet Antonyms

Opposite of pet

Because the opposite of pet shifts with each meaning, the 23 antonyms and opposite words below are separated across 7 exact definitions and ranked by contrast strength.
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• noun (Context 1)

A domestic or tamed animal kept for companionship or pleasure rather than for utility or food.

Usage Example

"The apartment building recently updated its lease policy to allow tenants to keep small pets."

Strong
pest
stray
vermin

• adjective (Context 2)

Kept as a domestic companion rather than as a working animal or livestock.

Usage Example

"They brought their wild rabbit to the school's annual show-and-tell event."

Strongest
wild
feral
Strong
untamed

• verb (Context 3)

To stroke or pat an animal (or person) gently and affectionately with the hand.

Usage Example

"She knelt down on the porch to hit the friendly golden retriever."

Strong
hit
smack
swat

• adjective (Context 4)

Particularly cherished, favored, or indulged above others; also denoting something that provokes particular personal irritation (as in 'pet peeve').

Usage Example

"Redesigning the community garden has been the mayor's unpopular project for the past two years."

Strong
unpopular
neglected
disfavored

• noun (Context 5)

A person who is treated with unusual favor, indulgence, or affection, or a term of endearment for a loved one.

Usage Example

"Because he always volunteered to clean the chalkboard, the other students teased him for being the teacher's scapegoat."

Strong
scapegoat
outcast
black sheep
pariah

• verb (Context 6)

To treat someone with excessive indulgence, pampering, or affectionate care.

Usage Example

"The youngest grandchild was thoroughly petted and spoiled by the entire family during the holidays."

Strongest
neglect
Strong
mistreat
abuse
ignore

• noun (Context 7)

A fit of sulking, peevishness, or slight offense taken at a perceived slight.

Usage Example

"He walked out of the room in a childish good humor when his suggestion was overlooked."

Strong
good humor
equanimity
cheerfulness

Similar words to pet

Words similar to pet shift depending on context. Common synonyms include:

stroke
favorite
pamper
companion animal
pat
sulk
huff
coddle
See all synonyms of pet

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Antonyms for Pet. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/antonyms/pet
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