1
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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2
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
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Recent Examples of stroking
One game, especially one so dominated by the defense, certainly isn’t enough to decide whether this is even an issue, but noted QB whisperer O’Connell has to be stroking his chin.
—
John Shipley, Twin Cities, 22 Sep. 2025
But Ethan’s out there getting loose and stroking it.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 20 Sep. 2025
According to the pages labeled as court exhibits, Priscilla rushed to her daughter’s bedside and was holding her hand, stroking her face, and telling her she was loved as family members gathered.
—Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2025
No one wants to follow an ego-stroking social media account with zero content value.
—Peter Boyd, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
In the black-and-white video, Kelly could be seen holding his baby's hand, stroking her fingers.
—Sarah Jones, People.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Too long submerged in suppressed grief, Zilpha now came up from its depth like any swimmer stroking toward light and sweet air.
—Annie Proulx, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2025
John Shipley, Twin Cities, 22 Sep. 2025
But Ethan’s out there getting loose and stroking it.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 20 Sep. 2025
According to the pages labeled as court exhibits, Priscilla rushed to her daughter’s bedside and was holding her hand, stroking her face, and telling her she was loved as family members gathered.
—Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2025
No one wants to follow an ego-stroking social media account with zero content value.
—Peter Boyd, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
In the black-and-white video, Kelly could be seen holding his baby's hand, stroking her fingers.
—Sarah Jones, People.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Too long submerged in suppressed grief, Zilpha now came up from its depth like any swimmer stroking toward light and sweet air.
—Annie Proulx, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stroking
Verb
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The Young Pope star was seen caressing Coan’s back and whispering in her ear.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
3 Sep. 2025
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The singer was spotted in pictures shared to social media, gently caressing the baby bump of his romantic partner.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
3 Sep. 2019
Verb
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Simply moisten the skin on the face and massaging the formula in circular motions.—
Beatrice Zocchi,
Vogue,
7 Oct. 2025
-
Create some suspense and anticipation by going in slowly, starting with the head and just massaging it slightly with the tip of your tongue.—
Ian Kumamoto,
Them.,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Without missing a beat, the teen jumped into action, performing the Heimlich maneuver and patting the customer on the back before the man sat back down.—
Sabrina Weiss,
PEOPLE,
17 Oct. 2025
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Keep your greens crisp by draining, rinsing, and patting them dry before using.—
Cristina Mutchler,
Verywell Health,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
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While praising Keaton as a performer, Meyers, who wrote Baby Boom and the Father of the Bride films and wrote and directed Something’s Gotta Give, looked back on their close working relationship.—
Hilary Lewis,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Oct. 2025
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The Republican president also used the opportunity to settle political scores and thank his supporters, criticizing Democratic predecessors and praising a top donor, Miriam Adelson, in the audience.—
Darlene Superville,
Twin Cities,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
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After commending leaders for their work, the president spoke of changes being made at the Pentagon, including the decision to rename the Department of Defense to the Department of War.—
Dan Gooding,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Sep. 2025
-
Cozens’ former teammate Kyle Okposo took to Cozens right away, even commending the youngster for his leadership skills.—
Julian McKenzie,
New York Times,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Thanking everyone in the cast and crew, the fans, and congratulating one another, Kamie’s name didn’t come up.—
Sumayya Tobah,
Essence,
15 Oct. 2025
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Wearing his signature Panama hat, Joe Castiglione stood alone in the corner of Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium last month, congratulating every Sooner player and coach who came past following a victory.—
Chris Vannini,
New York Times,
9 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The two men are surrounded by applauding officials while confetti falls in the background.—
Yamiche Alcindor,
NBC news,
10 Oct. 2025
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Social media users joined in applauding her.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The president has increasingly embraced fake images and videos — some appearing to be AI-generated — to mock and taunt political rivals while also puffing up his image.—
David Ingram,
NBC news,
4 Oct. 2025
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The White House is puffing up its chest like an inevitable victor when the clock reaches Zero Hour.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
30 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stroking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stroking. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.
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