brushstroke
noun
brush·stroke
ˈbrəsh-ˌstrōk 
: the configuration given to paint by contact with the bristles of a brush
also
: the paint left on a surface by a single application of a brush or palette knife
—often used figuratively to describe the quality especially of a narrative or description
a story told in broad brushstrokes
Examples of brushstroke in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In a few quick brushstrokes, we are introduced to the cast and crew.
—
Peter Rainer, The Christian Science Monitor, 9 Oct. 2024
The textures of the characters and the environments look like brushstrokes from a painting.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2024
Not only do millions of LGBTQ+ people live in red states, their overall populations largely support the broad brushstrokes of equality, as polling shows.
—Samantha Allen, Them, 12 Sep. 2024
There are brushstrokes and smudges, as if the world were realized in pastels.
—Michael Ordoña, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for brushstroke 
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.
Peter Rainer, The Christian Science Monitor, 9 Oct. 2024
The textures of the characters and the environments look like brushstrokes from a painting.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2024
Not only do millions of LGBTQ+ people live in red states, their overall populations largely support the broad brushstrokes of equality, as polling shows.
—Samantha Allen, Them, 12 Sep. 2024
There are brushstrokes and smudges, as if the world were realized in pastels.
—Michael Ordoña, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for brushstroke
Dictionary Entries Near brushstroke
Cite this Entry
“Brushstroke.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brushstroke. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share