strike 1 of 2

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as in to walk
to refuse to work in order to force an employer to meet demands the union is calling for its members to strike until the mining company agrees to meet safety standards

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in to occur (to)
to enter the mind of it struck her later that no one at the bank had asked for identification

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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strike

2 of 2

noun

1
as in walkout
a work stoppage by a body of workers intended to force an employer to meet their demands the nurses will go on strike tomorrow unless they're finally given a pay raise

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in accident
an unexpected benefit or advantage resulting from the uncertain course of events she's made one strike after another since she began speculating in real estate

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb strike differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of strike are affect, impress, influence, sway, and touch. While all these words mean "to produce or have an effect upon," strike, similar to but weaker than impress, may convey the notion of sudden sharp perception or appreciation.

struck by the solemnity of the occasion

Where would affect be a reasonable alternative to strike?

The meanings of affect and strike largely overlap; however, affect implies the action of a stimulus that can produce a response or reaction.

the sight affected her to tears

When can impress be used instead of strike?

While the synonyms impress and strike are close in meaning, impress stresses the depth and persistence of the effect.

only one of the plans impressed him

When might influence be a better fit than strike?

The words influence and strike are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, influence implies a force that brings about a change (as in nature or behavior).

our beliefs are influenced by our upbringing

In what contexts can sway take the place of strike?

The synonyms sway and strike are sometimes interchangeable, but sway implies the acting of influences that are not resisted or are irresistible, with resulting change in character or course of action.

politicians who are swayed by popular opinion

When is touch a more appropriate choice than strike?

The words touch and strike can be used in similar contexts, but touch may carry a vivid suggestion of close contact and may connote stirring, arousing, or harming.

plants touched by frost
his emotions were touched by her distress

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 strike
Verb
The 16-year-old boy was struck in the lower back and taken to Stroger Hospital in serious condition, police said. William Lee, Chicago Tribune, 2 May 2025 And Cline was tapped to finish the job as director of photography by Souza, who himself was wounded by the same bullet that fatally struck Hutchins. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 2 May 2025
Noun
Marvel had to postpone last year’s summer kickoff pic, Deadpool & Wolverine, to late July due to the impact of the strikes. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 3 May 2025 Friday’s strike was Israel’s second on Syria this week, and attacking an area close to the presidential palace appears to send a strong warning to Syria’s new leadership that is mostly made up of Islamist groups led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Ghaith Alsayed and Sam Mednick, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for strike
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strike
Verb
  • Bell is seen in the footage walking through the classroom as well, court documents show.
    Saleen Martin, USA Today, 1 May 2025
  • When the fight ended, Taylor walked away with the decision win and as the undisputed light welterweight champ.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In court, the judge cautioned prosecutors to remind Bondi and others that public statements could affect the jury selection process.
    Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
  • In some cases, those products haven’t been affected yet because of existing inventory.
    Jim Wang, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Its 116 hp, 1.6-liter inline-four engine was bumped in displacement to 1.8 liters for the 1994 model year.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Our team noted whether the vacuums were able to navigate around the house without bumping into furniture or getting caught on area rugs.
    Terri Williams, Architectural Digest, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton hit the game-winning shot, crossing over Antetokounmpo and driving to the basket for a right-handed layup with 1.3 seconds left.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 2 May 2025
  • Colombia’s exports hit $10.7 million in 2024, according to Colombian tax authority data.
    Javier Hasse, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • Email addresses under the names of the two Musk aides appeared at other agencies months ago, as DOGE made a sweeping effort to dismantle much of the federal government.
    Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 3 May 2025
  • Shortly after taking office in 2019, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a moratorium on executions and ordered death row dismantled.
    Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
Verb
  • According to Haynes, Lillard is motivated to attack his rehab and return to form.
    Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
  • The account commonly attacks news publications and posts comments criticizing reporting about Hegseth and the Defense Department.
    Eleanor Watson, CBS News, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • That expectation of secrecy continues indefinitely, with only the pope himself possessing the authority to make exceptions.
    Christopher Watson, ABC News, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Both India and Pakistan possess nuclear weapons, and any military escalation could lead to catastrophic consequences.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • According to two White House reporters who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak for their outlets, efforts to stage a walkout or other acts of solidarity with the AP have been stymied by the presence of new right-wing members of the White House press corps.
    Tom Dreisbach, NPR, 20 Feb. 2025
  • The strikes, the first widespread work stoppage in New York’s prisons since a 16-day walkout by officers in 1979, come as the state correctional system faces close scrutiny stemming from the fatal beating of a 43-year-old inmate by officers in December.
    Ed Shanahan, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Strike.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strike. Accessed 9 May. 2025.

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