brushstroke
noun
brush·stroke
ˈbrəsh-ˌstrōk 
: the configuration given to paint by contact with the bristles of a brush
also
: the paint left on a surface by a single application of a brush or palette knife
—often used figuratively to describe the quality especially of a narrative or description
a story told in broad brushstrokes
Examples of brushstroke in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But the show’s book by Carson Kreitzer and Matt Gould is nothing but brushstrokes, widely, and at times wildly, drawn.
—
Frank Rizzo, Variety, 15 Apr. 2024
Recorded at home during the early morning, this soft-focus music simmers at a low temperature: acoustic guitar paint brushstrokes beneath buoyant synths that seem dappled in sunlight.
—Pitchfork, 14 Dec. 2023
The yellow tulips are juicy and vivid thanks to the visible vectors of Bazille’s sculptural brushstrokes and the simple clarity of his contrasts.
—Washington Post, 7 Mar. 2024
But Crossing uses delicate brushstrokes to depict the city also as a place where transformative encounters can bring change and greater self-knowledge.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Feb. 2024
For an artist who disliked narrative, the scene is rich with pathos: the balcony rendered in stark cross hatches, the sky brushstrokes of shadow.
—Angelica Aboulhosn, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Dec. 2023
The artist used a complex technique to combine opaque and transparent glass, ultimately achieving the illusion of brushstrokes.
—Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Dec. 2023
My rule is to make at least one brushstroke per day so the day isn’t wasted.
—Coco Romack, New York Times, 29 Feb. 2024
Radical brushstrokes aren’t the only thing that catches Marvin’s attention.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2024
Frank Rizzo, Variety, 15 Apr. 2024
Recorded at home during the early morning, this soft-focus music simmers at a low temperature: acoustic guitar paint brushstrokes beneath buoyant synths that seem dappled in sunlight.
—Pitchfork, 14 Dec. 2023
The yellow tulips are juicy and vivid thanks to the visible vectors of Bazille’s sculptural brushstrokes and the simple clarity of his contrasts.
—Washington Post, 7 Mar. 2024
But Crossing uses delicate brushstrokes to depict the city also as a place where transformative encounters can bring change and greater self-knowledge.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Feb. 2024
For an artist who disliked narrative, the scene is rich with pathos: the balcony rendered in stark cross hatches, the sky brushstrokes of shadow.
—Angelica Aboulhosn, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Dec. 2023
The artist used a complex technique to combine opaque and transparent glass, ultimately achieving the illusion of brushstrokes.
—Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Dec. 2023
My rule is to make at least one brushstroke per day so the day isn’t wasted.
—Coco Romack, New York Times, 29 Feb. 2024
Radical brushstrokes aren’t the only thing that catches Marvin’s attention.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'brushstroke.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near brushstroke
Cite this Entry
“Brushstroke.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brushstroke. Accessed 1 May. 2024.
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