strike 1 of 2

Definition of strikenext
1
as in to walk
to refuse to work in order to force an employer to meet demands the union is calling for its members to strike until the mining company agrees to meet safety standards

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
3
as in to occur (to)
to enter the mind of it struck her later that no one at the bank had asked for identification

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4
5
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8
as in to possess
to cast a spell on the only way that she's going to get a man is if she strikes one

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

strike

2 of 2

noun

1
as in walkout
a work stoppage by a body of workers intended to force an employer to meet their demands the nurses will go on strike tomorrow unless they're finally given a pay raise

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
3
4
5
as in accident
an unexpected benefit or advantage resulting from the uncertain course of events she's made one strike after another since she began speculating in real estate

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb strike differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of strike are affect, impress, influence, sway, and touch. While all these words mean "to produce or have an effect upon," strike, similar to but weaker than impress, may convey the notion of sudden sharp perception or appreciation.

struck by the solemnity of the occasion

Where would affect be a reasonable alternative to strike?

The meanings of affect and strike largely overlap; however, affect implies the action of a stimulus that can produce a response or reaction.

the sight affected her to tears

When can impress be used instead of strike?

While the synonyms impress and strike are close in meaning, impress stresses the depth and persistence of the effect.

only one of the plans impressed him

When might influence be a better fit than strike?

The words influence and strike are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, influence implies a force that brings about a change (as in nature or behavior).

our beliefs are influenced by our upbringing

In what contexts can sway take the place of strike?

The synonyms sway and strike are sometimes interchangeable, but sway implies the acting of influences that are not resisted or are irresistible, with resulting change in character or course of action.

politicians who are swayed by popular opinion

When is touch a more appropriate choice than strike?

The words touch and strike can be used in similar contexts, but touch may carry a vivid suggestion of close contact and may connote stirring, arousing, or harming.

plants touched by frost
his emotions were touched by her distress

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 strike
Verb
Every news report showed photos of them, but none of them ever struck me as my Vietnam dad. Literary Hub, 14 May 2026 When the clock strikes midnight, hungry Kansas Citians will no longer be able to rely on a fixture that has supplied night owls with burgers and fries for years — at least for now. Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 14 May 2026
Noun
On Tuesday, Zelensky said, 14 Ukrainian regions came under attack, followed by overnight strikes on Ukraine’s residential, energy and railway infrastructure. Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026 The overnight strikes targeted Ukraine's residential and railway infrastructure in the central Dnipro and northeastern Kharkiv regions, port infrastructure in the southern Odesa region, and energy facilities in the central Poltava region, according to Zelenskyy. ABC News, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for strike
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strike
Verb
  • They’re crafted from organic cotton, which shoppers say is soft, breathable, and comfortable enough for walking, commuting, or sitting through long travel days.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 20 May 2026
  • For a shorter jog or walk, also with stunning views of the bay, take the path around the back of the hotel on Brickell Bay Drive, then go down Brickell Ave and take a lap around Brickell Key island.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 May 2026
Verb
  • The quick pivot didn’t affect the Dodgers much Friday.
    Liana Handler, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2026
  • Sources close to SkyShowtime said Paramount’s WBD deal had created palpable uncertainty among employees, leading to speculation about how the mega-merger will affect SkyShowtime’s shareholder structure.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • More experienced employees are able to bump other employees and take over their roles during lay-off periods.
    Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2026
  • In 2024, voters bumped it up to a half-cent.
    Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
Verb
  • Andy Pages hit a three-run home run and Max Muncy hit his 12th homer of the season on the next at-bat to break a scoreless game in the fourth inning.
    Liana Handler, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2026
  • For cocktails and nightlife, hit TopGolf or Nola’s for live music then end the night strong with a table at HQ nightclub where resident and guest DJs keep the dance floor bumping and bottle servers keep the bubbly and energy flowing.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026
Verb
  • Thousands of people rallied Saturday in the cradle of the modern Civil Rights Movement to mobilize a new voting rights era as conservative states dismantle congressional districts that helped secure Black political representation.
    Kim Chandler, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2026
  • Disrupting the possibility of cheerful solitude is both a stylistic and social shift, disturbing the film’s non-narrative serenity while depicting how dismantling the safety net displaces basic functions onto those least able to bear them.
    Vadim Rizov, IndieWire, 16 May 2026
Verb
  • Meanwhile, supporters insist their goal is not to attack a student, but to defend women’s sports.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
  • Both sides accuse the other of intentionally attacking civilian targets.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • If bits are mere mortals, occupying space and time, qubits possess omnipresence and telepathy.
    Aldo Svaldi, Mercury News, 19 May 2026
  • The findings reveal that bats possess the intelligence to actively manipulate the physical properties of their acoustic environment to enhance perception, rather than just forcing the brain to work harder.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 19 May 2026
Noun
  • The first to be affected by the walkout — the LIRR's first since a two-day strike in 1994 — were the many sports fans who wanted to see the Yankees and Mets battle or the Knicks’ playoff run at Madison Square Garden, which is located directly above the railroad’s Penn Station hub in Manhattan.
    ABC News, ABC News, 18 May 2026
  • The strike started early Saturday after 11th-hour talks to avert the walkout failed.
    Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 18 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Strike.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strike. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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