as in to pat
to touch or handle in a tender or loving manner
gently caressed her hair
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 caress
Song, not one to be ruled by trends, has found a way to tap into bouclé’s truest original intention: that of softly caressing, thanks to those looped fibers, whoever decides to perch on it.
—
Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 31 Mar. 2025
Being tenderly caressed physically searched by a Transportation Security Administration agent.
—James Factora, Them., 11 Apr. 2025
With her usual mastery of dynamics, Laferte starts out sweetly caressing each phrase.
—Jon Pareles, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Breaths that came as strong as fingers caressed me, travelling the length of me, beginning to tease and probe.
—Hazlitt, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for caress
Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 31 Mar. 2025
Being tenderly caressed physically searched by a Transportation Security Administration agent.
—James Factora, Them., 11 Apr. 2025
With her usual mastery of dynamics, Laferte starts out sweetly caressing each phrase.
—Jon Pareles, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Breaths that came as strong as fingers caressed me, travelling the length of me, beginning to tease and probe.
—Hazlitt, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for caress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for caress
Verb
-
If raw red onion is too strong for you, let the slices soak in ice water for 15 to 30 minutes before draining, patting dry, and adding to the salad.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
28 June 2025
-
As the last step, pat at the white satin sneakers with a paper towel, and leave them to dry overnight.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
25 June 2025
Verb
-
In the now-viral video, Otis lies limp and unimpressed while his dad, Jake, strokes his leg with a concerned arm around him.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 June 2025
-
These conversations showed me how easily a line of code can stroke an ego, calm anxiety, and mimic devotion.—
Cathy Hackl,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Caress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/caress. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share