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
Also starring Jack Palance and Fritz Lang, the behind-the-scenes drama about the making of a movie begins with Bardot lying nude on a bed as her husband (Michel Piccoli) caresses and praises her body.
—
Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 28 Dec. 2025
Weeping and caressing the lifeless Rahaf in her arms, the baby’s mother, Hejar Abu Jazar, kept ululating in despair.
—Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 11 Dec. 2025
Amid the sharper angles and more geometric corsetry the house is known for, there’s diaphanous silhouettes and undulating shapes that can caress the bump.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 7 Dec. 2025
In a video shared by the Broncos from the unveiling, Smith is seen carefully caressed the statue of her son's face just after the curtain drops.
—Natasha Dye, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for caress
Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 28 Dec. 2025
Weeping and caressing the lifeless Rahaf in her arms, the baby’s mother, Hejar Abu Jazar, kept ululating in despair.
—Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 11 Dec. 2025
Amid the sharper angles and more geometric corsetry the house is known for, there’s diaphanous silhouettes and undulating shapes that can caress the bump.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 7 Dec. 2025
In a video shared by the Broncos from the unveiling, Smith is seen carefully caressed the statue of her son's face just after the curtain drops.
—Natasha Dye, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for caress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for caress
Verb
-
The dog then slumped into the boat, with one crew member gently patting it in comfort.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Its ultra-lightweight texture sinks in quickly with no stickiness, and just a couple of drops patted into the skin is enough to target blemishes, blackheads, and congestion across all skin types.—
Sarah Han,
Allure,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
She was later reunited with her dog, stroking him in stunned silence before being taken to the hospital.—
Danielle Bacher,
PEOPLE,
20 Jan. 2026
-
Influenced by her Indian heritage, Japanese craft philosophy, and the traditions of Shetland knitting, her work is highly distinctive and also wholly wearable; David and I stroked scarves, asymmetric wraps, and sweaters with yearning.—
Sarah Moss,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Caress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/caress. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
