strike 1 of 2

Definition of strikenext
1
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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2
3
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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as in to possess
to cast a spell on the only way that she's going to get a man is if she strikes one

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

2
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5
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
And some officials have struck a conciliatory tone when responding to the unrest. Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 12 Jan. 2026 While a ceasefire agreement was struck in October, Israel and Hamas have traded fire based on allegations that the other side violated the ceasefire. David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 11 Jan. 2026
Noun
In May, the indictment said, Clase agreed to throw a ball at a certain point in a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, but the batter swung, resulting in a strike, costing the bettors $4,000 in wagers. NPR, 9 Nov. 2025 Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz have been charged with taking bribes from sports bettors to intentionally throw certain types of pitches, including tossing balls instead of strikes to ensure successful bets. Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 9 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for strike
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strike
Verb
  • In the 47-second video, the agent can be seen walking around Good’s maroon Honda Pilot, which is in the middle of the street blocking traffic.
    Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Bryant went 6 of 7 from the free-throw line over the final two minutes of the fourth quarter to keep the Hurricane at arm's length and walk away with a tough 79-71 victory at Hornet Arena.
    Erick Taylor, Arkansas Online, 10 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 Jan. 2026
  • But law enforcement experts told CNN the dragging incident last summer could have affected his decision-making – though how such an experience impacts law enforcement varies from officer to officer.
    Mark Morales, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Bolstering that pair — or, even better, the second pair, and bumping down rookie Axel Sandin-Pellikka to the third — would go a long way toward solidifying the blue line.
    Max Bultman, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Pending toxicology test results in 180 other cases will likely bump the total up more.
    Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Iowa then got three good looks from the three-point line in the final seconds but couldn't hit the tying shot.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Despite their franchise history dating back to the mid-70s (via Kansas City and Colorado), which includes essentially all of the highest-scoring era in league history, the New Jersey Devils have never had a player hit either of the game’s most basic offensive milestones.
    Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Imagine a mayor who claimed to champion working people while dismantling protections against anti-Latino discrimination because of opposition to Mexico’s government.
    David Moore, New York Daily News, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Until those power structures are dismantled and Rodríguez's control is meaningfully reduced, Delgado said, Venezuelans will continue to live in fear and will not feel safe.
    Jim DeFede, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Kyiv — Russia attacked Ukraine with a hypersonic Oreshnik missile overnight Thursday, a rare use of one of its most advanced weapons during the latest onslaught targeting the country amid freezing temperatures.
    Kosta Gak, CNN Money, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Russia attacked Ukraine overnight with 242 drones and 36 missiles, the Ukrainian Air Force said Friday morning.
    Morgan Winsor, ABC News, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Fetty pleaded guilty in 2022 to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess cocaine across state lines.
    Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Myers pleaded guilty in May 2025 to one count each of possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute near a school and illegally possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime.
    Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • While the French film industry, like Hollywood, is overwhelmingly liberal (think of the walkouts at the César Awards when accused statutory rapist Roman Polanski won best director in 2020), some of the biggest Gallic stars of yesteryear have loudly bucked the trend.
    Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 3 Jan. 2026
  • Above-the-Line Angst In 2023, the Writers Guild and SAG-AFTRA both went on strike, staging the first dual walkout in decades, in part due to uncertainty over AI.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 3 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Strike.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strike. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

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