strike 1 of 2

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as in to walk
to refuse to work in order to force an employer to meet demands the union is calling for its members to strike until the mining company agrees to meet safety standards

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in to occur (to)
to enter the mind of it struck her later that no one at the bank had asked for identification

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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strike

2 of 2

noun

1
as in walkout
a work stoppage by a body of workers intended to force an employer to meet their demands the nurses will go on strike tomorrow unless they're finally given a pay raise

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in accident
an unexpected benefit or advantage resulting from the uncertain course of events she's made one strike after another since she began speculating in real estate

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb strike differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of strike are affect, impress, influence, sway, and touch. While all these words mean "to produce or have an effect upon," strike, similar to but weaker than impress, may convey the notion of sudden sharp perception or appreciation.

struck by the solemnity of the occasion

Where would affect be a reasonable alternative to strike?

The meanings of affect and strike largely overlap; however, affect implies the action of a stimulus that can produce a response or reaction.

the sight affected her to tears

When can impress be used instead of strike?

While the synonyms impress and strike are close in meaning, impress stresses the depth and persistence of the effect.

only one of the plans impressed him

When might influence be a better fit than strike?

The words influence and strike are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, influence implies a force that brings about a change (as in nature or behavior).

our beliefs are influenced by our upbringing

In what contexts can sway take the place of strike?

The synonyms sway and strike are sometimes interchangeable, but sway implies the acting of influences that are not resisted or are irresistible, with resulting change in character or course of action.

politicians who are swayed by popular opinion

When is touch a more appropriate choice than strike?

The words touch and strike can be used in similar contexts, but touch may carry a vivid suggestion of close contact and may connote stirring, arousing, or harming.

plants touched by frost
his emotions were touched by her distress

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 strike
Verb
These modular aerial units can be launched remotely with an approximate fire location, striking quickly during the critical window when a spark can turn into a megafire. Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2025 In 1938, Charles Addams created an original cartoon in The New Yorker magazine that struck a chord with the strange part of minds everywhere. Rick Mauch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
In the second half, Peterson threw a 5-yard strike to Ferguson to extend the Titans’ lead to 27-0. Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 26 Oct. 2025 Workers rejected that offer, too, and went on strike the next morning. Jason Ma, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for strike
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strike
Verb
  • Footage that has now gone viral shows Herrera happily pumping her fists in the air and walking to the front of the stage to join the finalists, while Deane suddenly paused between names.
    Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Oct. 2025
  • These are adults with baggage, unable to walk away from their pasts.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Driving through deep water can also affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Here's what to know about both recalls, including how many vehicles are affected and what impacted owners should do.
    Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Amid the heavy topics, Wollam and her fellow fist-bumping attendee were among numerous protesters across metro Detroit who donned seemingly lighthearted outfits carrying a serious message from the movement.
    Darcie Moran, Freep.com, 22 Oct. 2025
  • For Willison, who is known in the software world for tinkering with new tools and developing open-source ones, the productivity bump from using AI depends on choosing appropriate uses and having relevant expertise.
    NPR, NPR, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The online education company, founded 20 years ago, has been hit by the rise of generative AI software tools, such as OpenAI's ChatGPT, which have become increasingly popular among students.
    Annie Palmer, CNBC, 28 Oct. 2025
  • October 28, 2025 Ohtani hit his second home run of the night in the seventh inning to tie the matchup at five against the Toronto Blue Jays.
    Valentina Martinez, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The question now turns to whether the US, UK and their allies can use the leverage from their joint operation effectively to dismantle the highly lucrative industry.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025
  • In a new joint venture redeveloping the marina, Everett Landco announced plans to take down storage tanks and dismantle offices at the location this month, per NBC News.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In the game, Elliott operated as the right ‘No 10’ (attacking midfielder), passing neatly and playing well in a first half that only offered promise in spurts.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • All patients were treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors, a type of immunotherapy drugs that help the immune system recognize and attack tumor cells more effectively.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • This role has traditionally been reserved for players with the greatest flair, possessing an ability to open up defences with their deftness of touch and eye for a pass.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • The additional charges include robbery, theft, violation of the Uniform Firearms Act, tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse, conspiracy, obstruction of justice and possessing an instrument of crime.
    Doha Madani, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The elegant walkout pool leads to a covered pavilion, where there’s ample space for outdoor dining and just lounging around.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Parents helped stage a student walkout at an Oregon high school last week protesting a single transgender classmate’s ability to use facilities that match their gender identity.
    Samantha Riedel, Them., 15 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Strike.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strike. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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