1
as in caressed
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 massaged
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 stroked
But Rivera stroked into center field to end the game.
—
Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 7 Sep. 2025
Toronto first got to Junk in the third inning as Nathan Lukes stroked a leadoff double, advanced on Ernie Clement’s flyout and came home on Springer’s RBI single.
—Miami Herald, 24 Aug. 2025
On the pitch, Rory Delap had one hand on his hip while the other stroked his chin.
—Max Mathews, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025
Gradually, as the pet becomes more comfortable, gentle touches are fine, but only where the cat enjoys being stroked.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Aug. 2025
Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 7 Sep. 2025
Toronto first got to Junk in the third inning as Nathan Lukes stroked a leadoff double, advanced on Ernie Clement’s flyout and came home on Springer’s RBI single.
—Miami Herald, 24 Aug. 2025
On the pitch, Rory Delap had one hand on his hip while the other stroked his chin.
—Max Mathews, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025
Gradually, as the pet becomes more comfortable, gentle touches are fine, but only where the cat enjoys being stroked.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stroked
Verb
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In one photo, the couple posed on the beach while Wyatt caressed her growing baby bump.—
Kayla Grant,
People.com,
2 Sep. 2025
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In photos the pop superstar shared, Kelce could be seen down on one knee as Swift caressed his face during the intimate moment.—
Tracy Wright,
FOXNews.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Next to them, a blond, fit-looking woman, seated alone on a mat with crutches beside her, massaged herself, kneading muscles with her hands and using a scarf to help stretch her legs.—
Sarah Larson,
New Yorker,
8 Sep. 2025
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In order to get the best results, apply a small amount to clean, dry skin in the evening, gently massaged in until it’s fully absorbed.—
Celia Shatzman,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Canales patted his head and tried to say something to him, but Young kept walking, then angrily slammed his helmet down.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Sep. 2025
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With her eyes closed, Val calmly patted her feline.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The court gave the green light for those sweeping immigration operations to continue in Los Angeles — a decision that was praised by the White House and castigated by immigrant rights advocates.—
Kaitlyn Schallhorn,
Oc Register,
10 Sep. 2025
-
New novels are rightly praised for breaking with traditional forms and criticized for turning to stale formulas and cliches.—
Nathaniel Moore
September 10,
Literary Hub,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The mood was celebratory, and Jassy congratulated employees on Zoox’s success to date, the person said.—
Salvador Rodriguez,Annie Palmer,
CNBC,
10 Sep. 2025
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When the Niners clinched their spot in the coveted game, Brandt congratulated Purdy on the field.—
Alex Gurley,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
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At an intimate reception at the library-like wine bar on Mercer Street, Sanders, a 29-year veteran of Condé Nast, was commended by Anna Wintour.—
Freya Drohan,
Vogue,
10 Sep. 2025
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commended the use of NATO aircraft to intercept Russian drones over Poland after a Wednesday incursion amid an attack on Ukraine.—
Ashleigh Fields,
The Hill,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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This act of sportsmanship by Nicklaus was both controversial and applauded.—
Tim Corlett,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
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The user who tweeted the video, @SMHIghlights1, taunted Sanders for wanting the starting quarterback job because Cleveland lost, and instead of joining in on the mockery, several fans in the comment section actually applauded Sanders for being a good teammate.—
Michael Gallagher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The midweight sweater has short and slightly puffed sleeves, a crew neckline, and a warm-weather-friendly cotton blend.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 Sep. 2025
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Like so many institutions before it, the museum could have ignored the students, or puffed up some sort of defense.—
Hannah Edgar,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stroked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stroked. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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