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
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Recent Examples of stroke
David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 1 Mar. 2026
The condition is a leading cause of preventable death, increasing the risk of heart disease, kidney disease and stroke.
—Kathleen Felton, Washington Post, 28 Feb. 2026
Kristine Hansen, Architectural Digest, 8 Jan. 2026
Allen has created a hall of mirrors, then, in which we’re supposed to stroke our chins and perhaps wink-wink at Baum’s meta commentary about the dangers of confusing the artist with the man … But so what?
—Literary Hub, 17 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stroke
Noun
This, the complaint said, creates risk for heart attack, various kinds of strokes, organ damage, blindness and other health issues.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 1 Mar. 2026
The condition is a leading cause of preventable death, increasing the risk of heart disease, kidney disease and stroke.
—Kathleen Felton, Washington Post, 28 Feb. 2026
Verb
For an artisanal twist, look no further than Ezcaray Matisse throw that looks as if Georgia O’Keeffe applied the paint brush strokes herself.
—Kristine Hansen, Architectural Digest, 8 Jan. 2026
Allen has created a hall of mirrors, then, in which we’re supposed to stroke our chins and perhaps wink-wink at Baum’s meta commentary about the dangers of confusing the artist with the man … But so what?
—Literary Hub, 17 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stroke
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stroke
Noun
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And the loss of Amarion Dickerson, who would’ve been a key rotation piece, ended up being a major blow for a team that was counting on everyone at the top of the rotation to deliver.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
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His win in Istanbul in 2019 represented a crushing blow to Erdogan, whose own political ascent began as the city’s mayor.—
Beril Akman,
Bloomberg,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The basis of the important therapy stems from studies showing that holding and caressing an animal provides benefits such as relaxation, lower blood pressure, decreasing anxiety, and increasing positivity, according to the news release.—
Dawn Giangiulio,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Feb. 2026
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Williams knows how to humanize this bare-bones vocabulary, minutely adjusting the voicing of a chord or caressing the last of a set of recurring motifs with a regretful ritardando.—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The main specific risk is the potential for nodules or granulomas (small bumps) forming under the skin, especially if improperly placed or massaged.—
Cindy Krischer Goodman,
Sun Sentinel,
5 Mar. 2026
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On wash days, apply to wet hair and gently massage into the scalp using your fingertips (not nails), focusing on the roots rather than the lengths.—
Amanda Le,
InStyle,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
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With the swipe of a finger, a video plays.—
Kamal Ahmed,
Fortune,
3 Mar. 2026
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Lashscape Lengthening, Lifting Mascara delivers 12 hours of smudge-resistant lift, length and curl in a single swipe.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Sullivan patted Hafley on the arm.—
Chris Perkins,
Sun Sentinel,
24 Feb. 2026
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The Teoritta Doll leverages cutting-edge animatronics technology to deliver lifelike expressions and interactive responses when guests gently pat her head.—
Kimberly Nordyke,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Top-wise, besides corsetry, retailers will no doubt zero in on silhouettes that float and drape on the body, with Isabella-esque puffed sleeves or Cathy-leaning off-the-shoulder necklines.—
Alice Cary,
Vogue,
24 Feb. 2026
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Bake cookies, rotating baking sheets top to bottom and front to back halfway through, until slightly puffed and cracked, 11–15 minutes.—
Jesse Szewczyk,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
22 Feb. 2026
Noun
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There was a sudden, loud thump, and Bernie Watermolen brought us awake with a yell that was enough to raise the dead.—
Doris DeCleene,
Outdoor Life,
25 Feb. 2026
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Pitchers and catchers report This week, Albernaz gets a glimpse of his pitching staff and catchers, before the thump of an offensive lineup joins the workouts.—
Adam Thompson,
CBS News,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Fraternity members congratulated each winner and posed for group photos with their full carts.—
Eva Remijan-Toba,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Feb. 2026
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Trump made the comment during a locker-room call congratulating the men’s team on their 2-1 overtime victory over Canada.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stroke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stroke. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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