as in to pat
to touch or handle in a tender or loving manner
gently caressed her hair
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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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As the pair walk towards the arena together, Dunk is greeted by several smallfolk who pat him on the back and wish him luck in the upcoming trial by combat.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 Feb. 2026
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His dad patted Joe’s shoulder again.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA Today,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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When Robbie first strokes the plush walls, her Cathy stares with the appropriate mix of awe and terror.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
9 Feb. 2026
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She was later reunited with her dog, stroking him in stunned silence before being taken to the hospital.—
Danielle Bacher,
PEOPLE,
20 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Caress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/caress. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.
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