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 White stroked a 3-pointer and waved his arms over his head to the crowd. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2026 Charli even stroked the bathroom hand dryer — a clever reference to everybody’s favorite scene in Desperately Seeking Susan. — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 28 Sep. 2026 Rookie Ethan Salas stroked an RBI single in the bottom of the 10th inning Saturday night as the San Diego Padres edged the visiting Miami Marlins 7-6. — Miami Herald, 20 Sep. 2026 But Kim stroked a walk-off single into left field in the ninth inning off Dodgers reliever Tanner Scott to give the Atlanta Braves a 6-5 victory over the Dodgers on Wednesday night. — Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 27 Aug. 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stroked

Verb

Breasts are caressed and thighs crisscross; kisses are planted, and occasionally there’s a glimpse of something more graphic.

— Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Kikuko cried out as her father’s hand slowly caressed her chest.

— Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of caressed

Verb

The 2027 Silverado gets a broader, more muscular face, a new grille and redesigned LED lighting, while the bodywork has been massaged to make the truck look even more substantial.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Sep. 2026
The 24-time Grand Slam champion appeared to suffer a cramp in his left foot, threw up, and took a medical time-out to have his back massaged between the fourth and fifth sets before losing to Argentine player Mariano Navone.

— Aaron Short, Curbed, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of massaged

Verb

And, like with Quincosa, a Customs agent patted Castillo down and found multiple plastic tubes covered in tape concealed under his pants.

— David Goodhue October 7, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026
Trump repeatedly patted Xi on the back, a gesture considered highly inappropriate in Chinese political culture.

— Ana Ceballos, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of patted

Verb

More than half of that money has come from a venture capitalist who has publicly praised Elon Musk and a political action committee run by Airbnb, the rental giant currently facing a lawsuit from the city for price gouging during the wildfires.

— James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Hamas praised the attack in a statement but did not claim responsibility.

— Jeremy Diamond, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of praised

Verb

Leaders from across Latin America largely congratulated Lula's historic win.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026
The president of the Senate, Davi Alcolumbre, and the the president of the Chamber of Deputies, Hugo Motta—both from center-right parties—congratulated Lula and declared the election valid.

— Chiara Pizzimenti, Vanity Fair, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of congratulated

Verb

That would certainly explain her kinship with Sander Lak, an equally eccentric colorist who commended Miller for her longevity in the industry and for remaining faithful to her customers.

— Ari Stark, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026
During his first two years as the Lakers coach, Redick admired Williams’ intent on the defensive end from afar and commended the forward’s willingness to defend other teams’ star players.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of commended

Verb

The fifth-round pick of the 2024 draft — applauded for his versatility this offseason and who made several plays in the preseason, including an interception — played exactly one defensive snap against the Bucs.

— Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 26 Oct. 2026
Caruso applauded Bass’ support for McDonnell at Tuesday’s event.

— Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 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 31 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of stroked

verb

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