as in to pat
to touch or handle in a tender or loving manner
gently caressed her hair
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of caress
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
Weeping and caressing the lifeless Rahaf in her arms, the baby’s mother, Hejar Abu Jazar, kept ululating in despair.
—Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 11 Dec. 2025
Amid the sharper angles and more geometric corsetry the house is known for, there’s diaphanous silhouettes and undulating shapes that can caress the bump.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 7 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for caress
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
Weeping and caressing the lifeless Rahaf in her arms, the baby’s mother, Hejar Abu Jazar, kept ululating in despair.
—Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 11 Dec. 2025
Amid the sharper angles and more geometric corsetry the house is known for, there’s diaphanous silhouettes and undulating shapes that can caress the bump.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 7 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for caress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for caress
Verb
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For longer storage, freeze blackberries by first rinsing and patting them dry.—
Christine Fiorentino,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Mar. 2026
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Sullivan patted Hafley on the arm.—
Chris Perkins,
Sun Sentinel,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Bowen nipped in ahead of Calvin Bassey and passed to Summerville, who advanced to stroke his fifth league goal of the season, and seventh in 10 appearances across all competitions, into the unguarded net.—
Roshane Thomas,
New York Times,
5 Mar. 2026
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This could have caused the plaque to chip off and cause a fatal heart attack or stroke any time over the next 5-10 years, maybe even sooner.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
Entertainment Weekly,
27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Caress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/caress. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.
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