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 one video, pop singer Madison Beer was seen caressing Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert's face as if the two were shooting a scene straight out of a reality show.

— Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of caressing

Verb

These included cleaning, caring for Chong’s children and massaging his feet without pay, 7NEWS reported.

— Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026
Other things to prevent damage prior to wearing stilettos can include stretching or massaging the arches of your foot.

— Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of massaging

Verb

His goal late against the Leafs was due and showed his hands and dexterity for a big man taking a puck off the wall and patting it in at the post.

— Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Another picture in the post shows Justin patting Phin on the head as the pair walk together on a golf course, sporting matching golf bags.

— Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of patting

Verb

Rocked Fund Canada boss Augustin alson shared her concerns, while praising Jennings’ position.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2026
Kelce began by praising the Colts and their effort in the game, as Indianapolis desperately wanted to avoid an 0-2 start.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of praising

Verb

Carrie Ann Inaba exclaimed, commending his groove and rhythm.

— Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026
In comments commending the two honorees, Caucus organizer Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, senior associate dean for leadership studies, noted that Pelosi and Pence are laudable regardless of one’s politics.

— Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of commending

Verb

In between posts promoting her events, Campbell Ortiz frequently posted about her children, congratulating one daughter for graduating high school and wishing one son happy birthday and cheering on his basketball team.

— Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 23 Sep. 2026
Try sending a useful article, congratulating a client on a milestone, sharing an industry development or simply checking in periodically.

— Peter Burns, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of congratulating

Verb

Billboard also has an exclusive behind-the-scenes video of Jung Kook posing for the campaign, showing off his silky dance moves and applauding at the end of a successful shoot.

— Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 16 Sep. 2026
Delegates could be heard applauding inside the board room as the resolution was adopted ending the investigation after almost two decades.

— Stephanie Liechtenstein, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of applauding

Verb

Ever since the German medical scientist Franz Hermann Müller published solid evidence of a link between smoking and lung cancer in 1939, the health risks of puffing on tobacco have only become clearer.

— Mike McRae September 10, New Atlas, 10 Sep. 2026
Throughout Thursday’s ruling, Judge Bryan Biedscheid compared Meta and its suite of apps to a factory — and its harm to puffing toxins into the air.

— Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026