as in to pat
to touch or handle in a tender or loving manner
gently caressed her hair
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of caress
The pair hit the red carpet for the annual NFL Honors events in Phoenix in 2023 and in New Orleans in 2025, with Arik proudly caressing Mindy’s pregnant belly at the latter.
—
Emily Krauser, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
The post included a black-and-white clip of Kelly caressing the newborn's hand.
—Edward Segarra, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2025
There’s a shot of Michele caressing her face, and another of Christopher fingering his wedding ring.
—Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 28 May 2025
But Gallardo clandestinely documented her experience there; in the exhibition, a short, lo-fi video shows her hands slowly caressing those of Estela, an ailing senior citizen and former street worker who lived at Casa Xochiquetzal.
—Fabiola Iza, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for caress
Emily Krauser, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
The post included a black-and-white clip of Kelly caressing the newborn's hand.
—Edward Segarra, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2025
There’s a shot of Michele caressing her face, and another of Christopher fingering his wedding ring.
—Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 28 May 2025
But Gallardo clandestinely documented her experience there; in the exhibition, a short, lo-fi video shows her hands slowly caressing those of Estela, an ailing senior citizen and former street worker who lived at Casa Xochiquetzal.
—Fabiola Iza, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for caress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for caress
Verb
-
Slim promptly pockets and pats them for safekeeping.—
Jennifer Leigh Parker,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
-
Brinkley recounts that Billy made his way over to the piano and patted the bench.—
Richard Johnson,
New York Daily News,
20 July 2025
Verb
-
The Marlins jumped out to a quick lead in the first inning Tuesday when Otto Lopez stroked a two-out single and scored on a throwing error after Ramírez’s infield single.—
Steve Gorten,
Miami Herald,
23 July 2025
-
Nineteen seconds later, her pass from below the basket went out to Collier, who calmly stroked another trey for a 12-point cushion.—
Mike Cook,
Twin Cities,
15 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Caress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/caress. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share