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
Relevance
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of stroke
Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
Coach Dad taught us more than just stroke techniques.
—Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026
Korin Miller, SELF, 11 Dec. 2025
The video showed the fragile puppy wrapped in a yellow towel as Novak gently stroked her head.
—Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stroke
Noun
In 2024, Hoyer suffered a mild stroke.
—Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
Coach Dad taught us more than just stroke techniques.
—Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
But a surprising new case study just linked the common habit to stroke.
—Korin Miller, SELF, 11 Dec. 2025
The video showed the fragile puppy wrapped in a yellow towel as Novak gently stroked her head.
—Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stroke
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stroke
Noun
-
Both teams scored 14 points in that final period, with Matthew Stafford’s 19-yard touchdown pass to tight end Colby Parkinson the killing blow with 38 seconds left.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Jan. 2026
-
This latest disaster will be framed by some as another blow to Minnesota's reputation.—
Phil Morris The Minnesota Star Tribune,
Arkansas Online,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
In one instance, Alix leans in to whisper something in his ear while caressing his back.—
StyleCaster Editors,
StyleCaster,
2 Jan. 2026
-
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
Verb
-
Just be sure to dilute it with a carrier oil like coconut or almond oil before massaging it into sore spots.—
Iman Balagam,
Vogue,
9 Jan. 2026
-
To experience its magic for yourself, massage two to four droppers of product into your scalp before shampooing, or use it as a nourishing overnight treatment.—
Kyra Surgent,
InStyle,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Wipe in circular motions with a lint-free microfiber cloth to loosen grime, then finish with long, horizontal swipes.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The blue swipe cupping each tip adds the perfect finishing touch.—
Jacqueline Kilikita,
Refinery29,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
First of all, pat yourself on the back for being productive and doing some good in your community.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Olie continued to pat Aisha’s shoulder.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Joey McGuire pulled Morton toward him and whispered something to his quarterback, who then puffed his chest and went forward with the postgame conference.—
Ty Kaplan,
Dallas Morning News,
1 Jan. 2026
-
This whiskey can, of course, be enjoyed without puffing on a cigar—that part of the ritual is completely optional—but it was made very intentionally by master blender Nancy Fraley and master distiller John Schrepel.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
27 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Twitchy enough to line up off the edge or run with a tight end in the slot, Fisher (6-1, 231) is a bit small but brings enough thump to be the type of linebacker who never has to leave the field.—
Nick Baumgardner,
New York Times,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Though ashen, the convex steel form still resonates to the rhythmic thump of her hands.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The pair exchanged smiles and kisses as the accolade was engraved, while Chalamet also congratulated fellow winner Paul Thomas Anderson, who took home the Best Screenplay award for One Battle After Another.—
Clare Fisher,
PEOPLE,
13 Jan. 2026
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Trump congratulated Microsoft on its efforts to keep prices in check, suggesting that other companies will make similar commitments.—
Jordan Novet,
CNBC,
13 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stroke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stroke. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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