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 Guests have reported footsteps in the attic, the feeling of someone stroking their face, a shower rode repeatedly flying off the wall and loud noises from outside the front door when no one is there. — Kaitlyn Keegan, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 2026 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 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

The brand recommends using it morning and night by massaging it in upward strokes over the face and neck to maximize the benefits.

— Ali Faccenda, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2026
Luzon layered her signature 24-karat gold mask over a professional-use DNA mask, massaging the treatment to enhance absorption.

— Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of massaging

Verb

Sprinkle salt mixture all over outside of the turkey as well as inside the cavity of the turkey, patting to adhere and nudging some into every crevice.

— Andy Baraghani, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Nov. 2026
Parents said the conversations mostly served as a hand-patting session rather than practical help.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of patting

Verb

Jovovich wrapped up the sweet caption by praising her daughter’s strength, loyalty, and perseverance.

— Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 6 Nov. 2026
The two appear to have a good relationship following their divorce, especially since the Good Will Hunting star has been praising his ex in several interviews as of late.

— Entertainment Weekly, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of praising

Verb

San Jose Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky, after losing to the Senators on Saturday, called them the best team his team has faced all season, commending them for being fast, competitive and connected.

— Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2026
Two Democratic political organizations are running adverts on the House’s bill to ban congressional stock trading, criticizing a Republican over the vote while commending a Democrat running in a different district for supporting the bill.

— Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of commending

Verb

The Republican National Committee joined Golden in congratulating LePage on the election results.

— David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 5 Nov. 2026
In the meantime, please join me in congratulating this new leadership team…I’m incredibly excited to get going.

— Max Goldbart, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of congratulating

Verb

Those of us who stayed until the end leapt to our feet, applauding and cheering for the actors, call after call.

— Keith McDermott, Vanity Fair, 30 Oct. 2026
Macklemore's defiant remarks drew mixed reactions online, with some social media users applauding his outspoken activism while others questioned his motives and accused him of being out of touch.

— Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of applauding

Verb

Designed to relieve swelling and improve circulation, these moisture-wicking socks keep your feet from puffing up on a long flight.

— Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 6 Oct. 2026
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