as in blow
a hard strike with a part of the body or an instrument
all it took was one hard stroke to knock the ball out of the tree
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in to caress
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
2
as in to massage
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
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Recent Examples of stroke
Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, the Louisiana native opens up about taking the stage with Travis — who suffered a life-altering stroke in 2013 — and details the challenges he's been met with and gives an uplifting update on the iconic country star's health.
—Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026
David Di Sabatino, SPIN, 3 Apr. 2026
Assisted by Godo, Guessand coolly stroked the ball past Jo Hyeon-woo in the South Korea net from inside the box in the 35th minute.
—Elias Burke, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stroke
Noun
Then the Red Sox rediscovered their power stroke.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, the Louisiana native opens up about taking the stage with Travis — who suffered a life-altering stroke in 2013 — and details the challenges he's been met with and gives an uplifting update on the iconic country star's health.
—Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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
Assisted by Godo, Guessand coolly stroked the ball past Jo Hyeon-woo in the South Korea net from inside the box in the 35th minute.
—Elias Burke, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stroke
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stroke
Noun
-
Arsenal’s title challenge is back on track, Liverpool have been dealt a potentially season-defining injury blow, and Fantasy Premier League managers now have just four Gameweeks left to make their mark.—
Abdul Rehman,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
The loss of Kidal represents a significant blow to Russia’s credibility in Mali, where the military junta has relied on mercenaries to combat Islamic extremism.—
Wilson Mcmakin,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Grudda pushed Barkow's wheelchair through the zoo, her hands caressing her mother's shoulders or pointing out the animals.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Electric Bleu is French food caressed with California seasonality and the occasional pop of Aussie nostalgia.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Not every type of kale needs massaging.—
Zoe Denenberg,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Another potential treatment route the study opens up is using machines to massage cancer cells, imitating the rhythmic beating of the heart.—
Anil Oza,
STAT,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
With a lifelong love of the weight room and a good core of swipes, chops and bull rushes, Young offers a physical presence on both the interior and edge.—
Matt Moret,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Our interface makes intelligent use of swipes and gestures rather than tapping or dialing.—
David Szondy
April 25,
New Atlas,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Kids love the hands-on steps here — scooping soil, patting it down around the plants and writing Grandma’s name on a tag.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Sacbee.com,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Kimmel, always happy to pat himself on the back, agreed.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Declan Rice puffed his cheeks out for what could have been a world-record attempt in cheek-puffing.—
Amy Lawrence,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Its classic collar and V-neck, puff sleeves, and half placket front complement the ruffle swing hem, while subtle side seam pockets are super handy for holding phones or lip gloss.—
Alexandra Pereira,
Travel + Leisure,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The Yankees need Wells to provide at least some thump in a bottom third of the order that hasn’t been very good.—
Brendan Kuty,
New York Times,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Moments later, a bass thump sounded in the distance.—
Nabih Bulos,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Villa Park assistant coach Ted Lawton raced to congratulate Urbanski while the Spartans’ players swarmed Noriega.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
24 Apr. 2026
-
After Biles qualified for her third Olympic Games, Owens congratulated his wife with a kiss while holding a cutout of her face.—
Diane J. Cho,
PEOPLE,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stroke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stroke. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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