STRIKES Synonyms: 471 Similar and Opposite Words

strikes 1 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of strike

as in walks

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

Relevance

as in affects

to act upon (a person or a person's feelings) so as to cause a response we were struck by the willingness of total strangers to go out of their way to help us

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in occurs (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

as in collides

to come into usually forceful contact with something the thump of hailstones striking the cars in the parking lot

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in hits

to deliver a blow to (someone or something) usually in a strong vigorous manner the driver of the car behind me applied his brakes too late and struck my car from the rear

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in dismantles

to take apart the stagehands struck the sets the morning after the play closed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in attacks

to take sudden, violent action against a rattlesnake strikes its prey with lightning speed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in possesses

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

blesses

strikes

2 of 2

noun

plural of strike

as in walkouts

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

as in assaults

the act or action of setting upon with force or violence the first strike was directed at a munitions warehouse

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in disadvantages

a feature of someone or something that creates difficulty for achieving success kids born into poverty already have a strike against them

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in collisions

a forceful coming together of two things the strike of a hammer against a nail always has a satisfying sound when you're building something yourself

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in accidents

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

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 strikes

Verb

This shade strikes that balance while popping beautifully deeper skin tones. —

Taryn Brooke, Glamour, 16 Feb. 2026 The pin strikes the edge of the rimfire cartridge to send the bullet down the range. —

ABC News, 16 Feb. 2026 This new Estée Lauder foundation, however, strikes the perfect balance. —

Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Feb. 2026 This bill strikes the right balance. —

Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026 What happens to your brand when the clock strikes midnight? —

Mina Haque, Fortune, 15 Feb. 2026 In front of all your friends as the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve. —

Charlie Hobbs, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Feb. 2026 Dreher is well aware that this reactionary outlook strikes many people as ludicrous. —

Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2026 But this casserole strikes that perfect balance of nostalgia and ease—without any weird or wacky ingredients or steps worth taking to the internet about. —

Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Feb. 2026

Noun

What began there has since grown into a nationwide protest movement, with strikes and demonstrations taking place almost daily across Israel. —

Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 15 Feb. 2026 From Callum Turner‘s cheekbones and Fanning’s wide eyes to Keough’s legs and Lukas Gage’s curls, beauty strikes at every turn, yet barely conceals the barbs and thorns such looks envelop here. —

David Opie, IndieWire, 15 Feb. 2026 Earlier on Saturday, drone strikes killed one person in Ukraine and another in Russia, Ukrainian officials said, ahead of fresh talks next week in Geneva aimed at ending the war. —

Samya Kullab, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026 Militants have carried out shooting attacks on troops, and Israel says its strikes are in response to that and other violations. —

Arkansas Online, 14 Feb. 2026 Drone strikes killed one person in Ukraine and another in Russia, officials said Saturday, ahead of fresh talks next week aimed at ending the war. —

ABC News, 14 Feb. 2026 Pitching shines for Texas State Niagara's bats had no answer for Froehlich, who had an efficient performance with 44 strikes on 66 pitches. —

Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 14 Feb. 2026 The majority of these strikes happen during the summer, causing around 20 fatalities each year, according to the NWS. —

Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026 The Texas bullpen threw the third-slowest average fastball in baseball last season but remained effective because of its elite ability to throw strikes and limit walks. —

Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 14 Feb. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for strikes

Verb

During warmer months, when the path is crowded with tourists in leisure mode, anyone who walks with a purpose should avoid the Bridge at all costs.

— Katie James Watkinson, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026
In another clip, the person walks up to the home, head down, wearing a dark zip-up jacket, light pants, a backpack, and what appears to be a weapon in a holster hanging around their waist.

— Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 14 Feb. 2026