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
Af Klint’s brushstrokes tended to be more expressive and free-form, for example, while Cassel’s were more careful, even meticulous.
—
Jay Cheshes, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
Working in the post office for his last week putting on the finishing brushstrokes, Anderson’s work was punctuated by hellos and fist bumps, inquiries and compliments.
—Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Mar. 2025
Along with director Edward Berger, Peter Straughan’s taut adaptation approaches the material with intimacy or big bold brushstrokes as required, crafting juicy roles for one of the year’s most outstanding ensembles.
—Scott Feinberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Feb. 2025
What really interested her were the large brushstrokes in his later works that looked like they had been applied with house painting tools.
—Hilarie M. Sheets, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for brushstroke
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Jay Cheshes, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
Working in the post office for his last week putting on the finishing brushstrokes, Anderson’s work was punctuated by hellos and fist bumps, inquiries and compliments.
—Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Mar. 2025
Along with director Edward Berger, Peter Straughan’s taut adaptation approaches the material with intimacy or big bold brushstrokes as required, crafting juicy roles for one of the year’s most outstanding ensembles.
—Scott Feinberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Feb. 2025
What really interested her were the large brushstrokes in his later works that looked like they had been applied with house painting tools.
—Hilarie M. Sheets, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for brushstroke
Cite this Entry
“Brushstroke.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brushstroke. Accessed 4 May. 2025.
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