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

And, like Markiplier, Rice then embarks on years of hard work before the film’s release, massaging audience-specific outlets and influencers.

— Justine Bateman, SPIN, 19 Aug. 2026
For best results, the brand recommends massaging a dollop into the scalp for two full minutes before rinsing it out.

— Isabel Bekele, InStyle, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of massaging

Verb

Drake also used the opening portion of the stream to reflect on his recent releases, patting himself on the back a little for dropping three projects at once.

— Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 2026
All of this isn’t just Hollywood patting itself on the back, by the way, a self-congratulation that doesn’t make a peep outside the echo chamber/Peacock Theater.

— Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of patting

Verb

This oversized sweater vest that comes in sizes S–XXL and 24 colors has earned more than 600 five-star ratings, with multiple reviewers praising its softness and flattering V-neckline.

— Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 2026
This is more than a little unfair since the critics were praising a lot of genuinely groundbreaking music of the time, and Elton’s newest LP, Rock of the Westies, was underwhelming, especially considering everything that came before it.

— Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of praising

Verb

But instead of congratulating their long-time colleague, her co-workers, under the orders of their department head, urged her to think again.

— Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
The rest of the league is playing poker, while Dunleavy is sitting in the corner playing Solitaire and congratulating himself on not losing any cards.

— Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of congratulating

Verb

Leaders of several similar operations including Masonicare in Wallingford, Duncaster in Bloomfield and Elim Park in Hamden joined Fairview officials in applauding its growth.

— Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2026
Taylor Swift's fans were quick to react to the change on social media, applauding whatever maneuvers Swift engaged in to curtail the use of her work.

— Diego Parrado, Vanity Fair, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of applauding

Verb

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
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