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
Hannah Kerns, PEOPLE, 10 May 2026
Fowler, who won the event here in 2012, finished second behind Kristopher Reitan, two strokes off the pace at 13-under 271.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 10 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
Jules’ spiky eyes - Season 1, Episode 8 For Davy, Jules’ iconic feathery spiked eyes were a bit of a stroke of inspiration.
—Hannah Kerns, PEOPLE, 10 May 2026
Fowler, who won the event here in 2012, finished second behind Kristopher Reitan, two strokes off the pace at 13-under 271.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 10 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
-
For a club already facing relegation on the pitch, their own fans may have just dealt them the final, crushing blow.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
18 May 2026
-
The decision by the Senate's parliamentarian, Elizabeth MacDonough, deals a blow to Trump and his administration, which has sought the money for security purposes related to the ballroom.—
Nolan D. McCaskill,
USA Today,
17 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
-
In October 2018, a student told her school counselor and then Hiner that Agan had come up behind her and started massaging her neck beneath her long hair.—
Holly McDede,
ProPublica,
12 May 2026
-
Berrios-Otero was later seen allegedly massaging both boys, including one of them in their groin and buttocks area, the warrant affidavits said.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
If a team member involved in car operations swipes into the paddock during a restricted period, the squad involved will have to explain the protocol breach to the stewards.—
Alex Kalinauckas,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
-
The podcast sponsors include the Southern Company, a major utility; the American Beverage Association, which represents the makers of sugary soda; Polymarket, an online prediction market; and the Merchants Payments Coalition, a group pushing for legislation to reduce credit-card swipe fees.—
Michael Scherer,
The Atlantic,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
Indiana Pacers executive vice president and assistant GM Ted Wu, sitting to Winger’s left, patted Winger on the back.—
Josh Robbins,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
-
And the guy very kindly patted us on the back and said, ‘That’s not how this works.—
Seija Rankin,
HollywoodReporter,
9 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
-
She was congratulated by Larson after the announcement at Goodwin University in East Hartford.—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
12 May 2026
-
The Rock, Dwayne Johnson himself, congratulated Francis Mauigoa on social media when the Giants drafted him to be their new starting right guard in April.—
Pat Leonard,
New York Daily News,
11 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stroke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stroke. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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