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

In the snap, Portman, who’s expecting her third baby, her first with partner Tanguy Destable, could be seen standing in front of an apartment balcony in an oversized blue button-down, caressing her stomach.

— Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026
Pulling out the rocket launcher Mac had bought him on the dark web, Dennis was genuinely overcome, caressing his bucket-list war weapon in stunned gratitude, while Mac beamed in what, on any other show, would be heartwarming friendship.

— Dennis Perkins, Entertainment Weekly, 28 July 2026

Definition of caressing

Verb

The peaceful massaging relaxation of these luxurious tubs can be a dream for many.

— BestReviews, Mercury News, 29 July 2026
Combined with massaging seats, powerful climate control and extensive sound insulation, the technology turns an unpleasant commute into something approaching a sensory deprivation chamber.

— Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

Definition of massaging

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

Reactions to Graves’ retirement Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas spoke at the Thursday press conference, commending Graves for her leadership.

— Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
The meteorologist’s followers are commending her for her environmentally friendly practice.

— Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 15 July 2026

Definition of commending

Verb

The text is a reference to the song’s lyrics, which see Bad Bunny congratulating and thanking his parents for giving birth to him.

— Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 31 July 2026
As Kelce walked, fans attending the Chiefs’ open practice called out for his attention, with some congratulating him on his recent nuptials.

— Natasha Dye, PEOPLE, 29 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

The sight of a dough puffing, cheese oozing out its side, becoming browned and crispy…who cannot be swayed?

— Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 July 2026
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