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
Jeff Goudy, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
Rai played his final 10 holes in six-under par before signing for a final-round 65, his lowest score in a major championship by two strokes.
—Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2026
Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026
In her first varsity at-bat the next day against Lincoln-Way Central, Krauchun stroked a single up the middle.
—Tony Baranek, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stroke
Noun
Facing a 40-foot eagle putt, Rai delivered the shot that changed the complexion of the championship, pouring it in to move within one stroke of the lead and seize momentum heading to the back nine.
—Jeff Goudy, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
Rai played his final 10 holes in six-under par before signing for a final-round 65, his lowest score in a major championship by two strokes.
—Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2026
Verb
Both pups took spots next to Prince William, who appears to stroke their black cocker spaniel, Orla.
—Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026
In her first varsity at-bat the next day against Lincoln-Way Central, Krauchun stroked a single up the middle.
—Tony Baranek, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stroke
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stroke
Noun
-
This year, the festival continued but took a blow, with officials postponing the Strawberry Stomp 5K and parade, which usually showcases community spirit and guest celebrities.—
Victoria Le,
Oc Register,
24 May 2026
-
Meanwhile, Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker could come to blows and even affect the title match in one way or the other.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
23 May 2026
Verb
-
The couple posed for photos at the event, drawing attention to their gestating bundle of joy by framing and caressing Palvin’s belly.—
Tracy Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2026
-
Grudda pushed Barkow's wheelchair through the zoo, her hands caressing her mother's shoulders or pointing out the animals.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Badly run local governments, keen to massage numbers as well as find avenues for the huge oversupply of concrete and steel, compounded the problem.—
Chris Lau,
CNN Money,
18 May 2026
-
To heat, microwave in short intervals, massaging the rice around in between.—
Caroline Lubinsky,
Martha Stewart,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
What began as a tongue-in-cheek swipe against remarks made by the chief justice of the Supreme Court of India has snowballed into a satirical political movement on social media.—
Britannica Editors,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
23 May 2026
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As renowned cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson explains, consumers are gravitating toward multitasking formulas that deliver both color and skin-care benefits in a single swipe.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
22 May 2026
Verb
-
Bill de Blasio had campaigned against aggressive policing, particularly the city’s controversial policy of briefly detaining people and patting them down for weapons.—
Elizabeth Glazer,
The Atlantic,
19 May 2026
-
Mama pats Rafa’s head then ruffles his hair.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
The ruffle puff sleeves and collar keep it polished, while the lightweight fabric offers a relaxed touch.—
Nicol Natale,
PEOPLE,
13 May 2026
-
Cook for 4-6mins on each side until puffed and cooked through.—
The Week UK,
TheWeek,
9 May 2026
Noun
-
The Yankees need Wells to provide at least some thump in a bottom third of the order that hasn’t been very good.—
Brendan Kuty,
New York Times,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Moments later, a bass thump sounded in the distance.—
Nabih Bulos,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Blue Collar fans flooded the comments on the Instagram post, congratulating Serfer for building an institution that will forever be part of Miami’s culinary history.—
Amy Reyes,
Miami Herald,
16 May 2026
-
Gil’s excited parents Annah (Clémentine Célarie) and Alain (Christian Benedetti) arrive along with her friends Agnes (Mina Kavani) and Ibrahim (Oussama Kheddam) to congratulate her.—
Alissa Simon,
Variety,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stroke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stroke. Accessed 25 May. 2026.
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