STROKING Synonyms: 78 Similar and Opposite Words

stroking

verb

present participle of stroke

as in caressing

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 massaging

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 stroking There was only one other visitor, another mother stroking another small head. — Fran Moreland Johns, The Atlantic, 11 May 2026 Alongside Cruise feeding and stroking his dying cat while walking around his mansion with his gut hanging out, there are shots of planes readying for battle and collapsing polar ice caps. — Brent Lang, Variety, 15 Apr. 2026 Two-year-old Lily Capasso stopped by, stroking a small paint brush on the starting line – a sign that the world’s most iconic marathon is for everyone, no matter their age. — Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 15 Apr. 2026 Elton John doing a handstand on his keyboard, Roger Daltrey stroking a microphone, Ian Anderson making the flute somehow look cool — his pictures became a means of connection for fans. — David Di Sabatino, SPIN, 3 Apr. 2026 At first, Hanke thought Miyabi was just stroking his ego. — Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register, 25 Mar. 2026 She was later reunited with her dog, stroking him in stunned silence before being taken to the hospital. — Danielle Bacher, PEOPLE, 20 Jan. 2026 At one point Eliot entered the TV room and found Abby with her head on Claire’s lap, Claire stroking her hair. — Literary Hub, 25 Nov. 2025 At first, wishes were made on the unbroken bones of the furcula by gently stroking them. — Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 25 Nov. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stroking

Verb

The couple posed for photos at the event, drawing attention to their gestating bundle of joy by framing and caressing Palvin’s belly.

— Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
Grudda pushed Barkow's wheelchair through the zoo, her hands caressing her mother's shoulders or pointing out the animals.

— ABC News, ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026

Definition of caressing

Verb

The one-sided conversation ended with Hocevar patting Wallace on the shoulder — defusing the tension while offering little remorse.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 June 2026
If raw red onion is too strong for you, let the slices soak in ice water for 15 to 30 minutes before draining, patting dry, and adding to the salad.

— Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 2 June 2026

Definition of patting

Verb

Trump did strike some notes of unity, praising the Secret Service and denouncing political violence.

— Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
Sandy Anderson, the chamber of commerce’s vice president of member services, kicked off the ribbon cutting by praising the market for its commitment to local businesses.

— Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 25 July 2026

Definition of praising

Verb

The company congratulating itself on near-free production has, in many cases, simply handed the durable margin to whoever owns the scarce input.

— François Candelon, Fortune, 24 July 2026
Following the loss, the royal account shared a post congratulating the team on their impressive run, with a photo of team captain Harry Kane comforting star midfielder Jude Bellingham.

— Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026

Definition of congratulating

Verb

Before guests began eating dinner, Weijia Jiang, president of the White House Correspondents' Association delivered an impassioned speech condemning political violence and applauding attendants bravery after the shooting at the April event.

— Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 24 July 2026
Paul appeared to take the joke in stride, laughing and applauding as cameras cut to him in the crowd.

— Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 16 July 2026

Definition of applauding

Verb

But, alas, there are no other young male seals in the residential streets of Hobart to practice chest-puffing and sparring with.

— Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
Set in an alternate past during Japan's Meiji era, the world of Sparks of Tomorrow is totally reliant on steam power, with massive boilers constantly puffing away.

— K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 3 July 2026