as in blow
a hard strike with a part of the body or an instrument
all it took was one hard stroke to knock the ball out of the tree
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in to caress
to touch or handle in a tender or loving manner
the young mother gently stroked the sleeping child's brow and then leaned over and kissed him
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to massage
to praise too much
a politician with a special gift for stroking fat-cat donors
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stroke
Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 19 Sep. 2025
This configuration produces tilted stroke planes, much like those seen in geese, vultures, and kingfishers during slow flight.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2025
Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2025
Troy Johnston stroked an RBI single.
—Miami Herald, 24 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stroke
Noun
Just the pencil stroke, no comments.
—Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 19 Sep. 2025
This configuration produces tilted stroke planes, much like those seen in geese, vultures, and kingfishers during slow flight.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2025
Verb
According to the pages labeled as court exhibits, Priscilla rushed to her daughter’s bedside and was holding her hand, stroking her face, and telling her she was loved as family members gathered.
—Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2025
Troy Johnston stroked an RBI single.
—Miami Herald, 24 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stroke
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stroke
Noun
-
The Eagles’ defense forced an interception on the next series before another Central turnover led to the knockout blow.—
Matt Roy,
Boston Herald,
20 Sep. 2025
-
Many buyers aren’t likely to immediately face that price tag since carriers typically offer trade-in deals and payment plans to soften the blow.—
Lisa Eadicicco,
CNN Money,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The Young Pope star was seen caressing Coan’s back and whispering in her ear.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
3 Sep. 2025
-
In photos the pop superstar shared, Kelce could be seen down on one knee as Swift caressed his face during the intimate moment.—
Tracy Wright,
FOXNews.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The bamboo is wedged into a workbench, the chef drapes one leg over the far end, and bounces up and down to massage the dough.—
Kim Kay,
Travel + Leisure,
14 Sep. 2025
-
According to Better Not Younger, massage the serum onto the scalp for two to three minutes once daily.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
That’s not the case with the Margaret Dabbs London Nail Strengthening Treatment, which reinforces flimsy fingernails after just one swipe of its brush.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Enter the juicy lip stain, the modern beauty hybrid that merges a non-sticky lip balm with the enduring color payoff of a stain into a single swipe.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Canales patted his head and tried to say something to him, but Young kept walking, then angrily slammed his helmet down.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Drying Tips After washing, make sure to pat the sweet potatoes dry with a clean towel or paper towels.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The Princess of Wales was seen recently in a plaid checked midi-dress with a peplum and puff sleeves that is giving me lots of style inspo for the season ahead.—
Katharina Fuchs,
Glamour,
15 Sep. 2025
-
While volcanoes steadily puff the stuff into the air and oceans, the rate at which this happens has subtly changed over millions of years in the course of a grand planetary tectonic ballet.—
Peter Brannen,
Quanta Magazine,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The Red Sox are in a good spot for their future, but their lineup clearly needs more thump.—
Tim Crowley,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
-
Late that night, long after the Temple Burn, some attendees had gone back out for one last night of partying on the playa, while others hung out in the relative quiet of open camping, with the ever-present thump of EDM far off in the distance.—
Denver Nicks,
Rolling Stone,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The Royals shared a special video from Brett congratulating Perez.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
13 Sep. 2025
-
The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers issued a statement congratulating Astin on his victory.—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stroke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stroke. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
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