The phrase "patted down" refers to a search that involves physically feeling a person's clothing or body to detect any hidden objects or weapons. There are several other synonyms for this phrase that can be used in different contexts, such as frisked, searched, scanned, checked, and inspected. Each of these words has a slightly different connotation and can evoke different images or emotions. For example, "frisked" may imply a more aggressive or invasive search, while "scanned" may suggest a more passive or technology-assisted process. Ultimately, the choice of synonym depends on the specific situation and desired tone of the communication.