STROKED Synonyms: 80 Similar and Opposite Words

stroked

verb

past tense of stroke

as in caressed

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

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as in massaged

to praise too much a politician with a special gift for stroking fat-cat donors

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 stroked Afterwards, as Cheogyal puts it, the spiritual leader stroked his head with compassion. — CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026 But Argentina’s talisman stroked it wide of the net. — David Hickey, NBC news, 23 June 2026 Mihyia Davis stroked the next pitch off Slimp’s glove in left for a double and Williams moved to third. — Tim Willert, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026 After a popout to second by first baseman Jordan Woolery, shortstop Aleena Garcia stroked an RBI single to give the Bruins a 2-1 lead. — Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 May 2026 Freddie Freeman stroked a two-out RBI single up the middle in the fifth inning to put the Dodgers ahead 3-0. — CBS News, 3 May 2026 Last weekend, after Petteys stroked three doubles in a victory over Creighton, the Bluejays showed her the ultimate respect, walking her four times, three intentionally, during the remainder of the series at Burrill Family Field, UConn taking two of three. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 30 Apr. 2026 In her first varsity at-bat the next day against Lincoln-Way Central, Krauchun stroked a single up the middle. — Tony Baranek, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026 Ferrer then went back to the sinker, placed the 98 mph pitch on the outside edge of the plate and Merrill stroked it to left, clearing the bases for a walk-off win in front the remnants of a sellout crowd of 46,095. — Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stroked

Verb

Kikuko cried out as her father’s hand slowly caressed her chest.

— Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
Electric Bleu is French food caressed with California seasonality and the occasional pop of Aussie nostalgia.

— Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2026

Definition of caressed

Verb

Words have been parsed over, ideas about location, production design, costume, lighting have all been carefully massaged even up to the day of photography.

— Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Deirdre massaged my limbs while the cups went to work on my perpetually achy upper back.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026

Definition of massaged

Verb

Merrill helped Tatis to his feet and patted him on the chest.

— CBS News, CBS News, 31 July 2026
When an excitable teenager cut in front of my dad, Frankenstein — without saying a word — gestured for the kid to be patient and wait, patted my dad on the back and posed for a picture.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2026

Definition of patted

Verb

Despite neither having professional boxing records, their bout, fought with headgear, was praised for its intensity and athleticism, particularly from Lex, whose jab, length, and coordination proved decisive.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
Brian Schnell with the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department praised the tools used to track down the suspects.

— Ted Scouten, Miami Herald, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of praised

Verb

National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Richard Hudson congratulated Singer in a statement.

— Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026
The tulle design was covered in gold appliqués, and featured a voluminous skirt that created a soft silhouette as Swift congratulated the bride.

— Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of congratulated

Verb

While the filmmakers should be commended for keeping the focus on Brockington and Prescott for most of the running time, the doc also feels somewhat unbalanced.

— Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 18 Aug. 2026
Indiana Department of Homeland Security Executive Director Jonathan Whitham commended Northwest Indiana’s communities for their response to Tuesday’s storms.

— Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of commended

Verb

Stephen Curry, who was in attendance alongside multiple Warriors teammates, stood and applauded the stunning long-range shot alongside a sellout crowd of 18,064 fans in Ballhalla.

— Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2026
Republican Terrell County Sheriff Thaddeus Cleveland applauded Commissioner Scott’s decision to halt construction.

— Laura Romero, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of applauded

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stroke

stroked

stroked (out)

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“Stroked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stroked. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of stroked

verb

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