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
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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
Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 31 May 2025
He had been diagnosed with dementia and suffered several small strokes starting in 2012, reports the New York Times’ Robert D. McFadden.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 May 2025
Katy Golvala, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2025
After stroking a century at Perth in November as India captured the first Test, the legendary batsman then succumbed to uncertainty and the relentless probing of Pat Cummins’ team, scoring only 104 more runs in the next seven innings.
—Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for stroke
Noun
Reginald VelJohnson pays tribute to 'Die Hard' costar Bruce Willis on 'Dancing With the Stars'
In very broad strokes, Nothing Lasts Forever, is Die Hard.
—Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 31 May 2025
He had been diagnosed with dementia and suffered several small strokes starting in 2012, reports the New York Times’ Robert D. McFadden.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 May 2025
Verb
Seetharama, who’s been practicing medicine for 30 years, said he’s been frustrated that treatments available to stroke patients up until now have only offered temporary improvements.
—Katy Golvala, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2025
After stroking a century at Perth in November as India captured the first Test, the legendary batsman then succumbed to uncertainty and the relentless probing of Pat Cummins’ team, scoring only 104 more runs in the next seven innings.
—Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for stroke
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stroke
Noun
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Khan feared that delaying his departure beyond the deadline might have resulted in his wife and children being hauled off to a police station along with him, which would have been a blow to his family’s dignity.—
Elena Becatoros,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2025
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Losing Senga for an extended period would be a major blow for the Mets, but there's still reason to believe the team will explore trades for its pitchers even with him sidelined.—
Peter Chawaga,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 June 2025
Verb
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There’s a shot of Michele caressing her face, and another of Christopher fingering his wedding ring.—
Rebecca Rubin,
Variety,
28 May 2025
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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
Verb
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Interlace the fingers of one hand with the toes of the opposite foot and gently massage the bottom of your feet with the thumb of your free hand.—
Andee Tagle,
NPR,
7 June 2025
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Avoid rubbing or massaging the area because this could spread the toxin throughout your body.—
Carrie Madormo,
Verywell Health,
5 June 2025
Noun
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As artificial intelligence redefines human interactions, one question persists with scientific urgency and cultural weight: What happens to the brain's romantic blueprint when intimacy is filtered through screens, swipes and simulations?—
Ximena Araya-Fischel,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
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Even as more Americans tap, swipe or scan to pay, most still carry at least a little cash — and financial planners say that’s a good idea.—
Mike Winters,
CNBC,
25 May 2025
Verb
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During her emotional testimony, Clark often patted her eyes with a tissue.—
Nicki Brown,
CNN Money,
27 May 2025
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Catcher Alexis Ramirez, seated next to Grant and Woolery in the interview room, patted Grant on the shoulder.—
Ben Bolch,
Los Angeles Times,
22 May 2025
Verb
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Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown, the edges are slightly pulled away from the pan, and the cream cheese is puffed up.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
6 June 2025
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Transfer to the oven and bake until the frittata is puffed, lightly browned, and the top feels set when pressed in the center, 25 to 30 minutes.—
Carole Kotkin,
Miami Herald,
30 May 2025
Noun
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The Cardinals have enough right-handed thump (especially with Herrera) to utilize Burleson at his strength.—
Katie Woo,
New York Times,
30 May 2025
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Literal flames surrounded the glow, both repelling and drawing you in more, followed by two loud, disorienting thumps.—
Christopher Rosa,
Glamour,
16 May 2025
Verb
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June 12, 2025 When Caruso's current team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, clinched the NBA Finals, Johnson was one of the first to take to X and congratulate Caruso.—
Ricardo Klein,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 June 2025
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The program marked its launch yesterday (June 9) at Amazon’s flagship New York City office, Hank, with an event to welcome and congratulate the interns.—
Sindhya Valloppillil,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stroke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stroke. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
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