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
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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
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Recent Examples of stroke
Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 31 May 2025
He had been diagnosed with dementia and suffered several small strokes starting in 2012, reports the New York Times’ Robert D. McFadden.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 May 2025
Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
His purpose is solely to stroke his outsized, narcissistic ego to compete with other authoritarian countries such as Russia and North Korea.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for stroke
Noun
Reginald VelJohnson pays tribute to 'Die Hard' costar Bruce Willis on 'Dancing With the Stars'
In very broad strokes, Nothing Lasts Forever, is Die Hard.
—Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 31 May 2025
He had been diagnosed with dementia and suffered several small strokes starting in 2012, reports the New York Times’ Robert D. McFadden.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 May 2025
Verb
Interacting with a pet, such as stroking them, can ease the mind and boost the sense of tranquility.
—Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
His purpose is solely to stroke his outsized, narcissistic ego to compete with other authoritarian countries such as Russia and North Korea.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for stroke
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stroke
Noun
-
If approved, the cuts would served a devastating blow to the U.N., which is already struggling as other governments also cut contributions.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
3 June 2025
-
Her relationship may have been seen as the ideal outcome of inner work, so its collapse may have felt disappointing, like a blow to their healing process.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
Verb
-
The oversized and plush applicator caresses every curve of your smile for a smooth, high-shine finish, minus the stickiness.—
Jailynn Taylor,
Allure,
18 May 2025
-
The monologue touches Ellie, who caresses her girlfriend’s face.—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
11 May 2025
Verb
-
Then massage it onto a clean scalp before bedtime and rinse it out the next morning.—
Jenn Barthole,
Glamour,
28 May 2025
-
The vibrator features 12 intensity levels and is designed with Pleasure Air Technology that utilizes air vibrations to suck and massage the clitorus, keeping it stimulated without direct contact.—
Jessie Quinn,
StyleCaster,
27 May 2025
Noun
-
As artificial intelligence redefines human interactions, one question persists with scientific urgency and cultural weight: What happens to the brain's romantic blueprint when intimacy is filtered through screens, swipes and simulations?—
Ximena Araya-Fischel,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
-
Even as more Americans tap, swipe or scan to pay, most still carry at least a little cash — and financial planners say that’s a good idea.—
Mike Winters,
CNBC,
25 May 2025
Verb
-
Sprinkle spice mixture on both sides of ribs, gently patting to coat.—
Jasmine Smith,
Southern Living,
23 May 2025
-
The show lives in these blue-collar pockets of ‘flyover America,’ but doesn’t make a big deal about it or pat itself on the back.—
Jackie Strause,
HollywoodReporter,
22 May 2025
Verb
-
The two-time major champion has celebrated several team wins puffing a stogie; most notably at the 2022 and 2024 Presidents Cup victories.—
Kendall Capps,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 May 2025
-
Despite Wharton puffing his chest in a terrifying bid to control his new wife, however, Serena fights back.—
Jackie Strause,
HollywoodReporter,
16 May 2025
Noun
-
The Cardinals have enough right-handed thump (especially with Herrera) to utilize Burleson at his strength.—
Katie Woo,
New York Times,
30 May 2025
-
Literal flames surrounded the glow, both repelling and drawing you in more, followed by two loud, disorienting thumps.—
Christopher Rosa,
Glamour,
16 May 2025
Verb
-
A couple of the guys congratulated me [on this award], which felt really, really good.—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
30 May 2025
-
Niles North Principal Marlon Felton, in his first year as the school’s principal, congratulated the class of 2025 in his encouraging remarks to them and their families.—
Pioneer Press,
Chicago Tribune,
27 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stroke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stroke. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.
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