STROKED Synonyms: 80 Similar and Opposite Words

stroked

verb

past tense of stroke

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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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

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 stroked White stroked a 3-pointer and waved his arms over his head to the crowd. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2026 Charli even stroked the bathroom hand dryer — a clever reference to everybody’s favorite scene in Desperately Seeking Susan. — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 28 Sep. 2026 Rookie Ethan Salas stroked an RBI single in the bottom of the 10th inning Saturday night as the San Diego Padres edged the visiting Miami Marlins 7-6. — Miami Herald, 20 Sep. 2026 But Kim stroked a walk-off single into left field in the ninth inning off Dodgers reliever Tanner Scott to give the Atlanta Braves a 6-5 victory over the Dodgers on Wednesday night. — Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 27 Aug. 2026 Afterwards, as Cheogyal puts it, the spiritual leader stroked his head with compassion. — CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026 But Argentina’s talisman stroked it wide of the net. — David Hickey, NBC news, 23 June 2026 Mihyia Davis stroked the next pitch off Slimp’s glove in left for a double and Williams moved to third. — Tim Willert, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026 After a popout to second by first baseman Jordan Woolery, shortstop Aleena Garcia stroked an RBI single to give the Bruins a 2-1 lead. — Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stroked

Verb

Breasts are caressed and thighs crisscross; kisses are planted, and occasionally there’s a glimpse of something more graphic.

— Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Kikuko cried out as her father’s hand slowly caressed her chest.

— Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of caressed

Verb

The 2027 Silverado gets a broader, more muscular face, a new grille and redesigned LED lighting, while the bodywork has been massaged to make the truck look even more substantial.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Sep. 2026
The 24-time Grand Slam champion appeared to suffer a cramp in his left foot, threw up, and took a medical time-out to have his back massaged between the fourth and fifth sets before losing to Argentine player Mariano Navone.

— Aaron Short, Curbed, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of massaged

Verb

And, like with Quincosa, a Customs agent patted Castillo down and found multiple plastic tubes covered in tape concealed under his pants.

— David Goodhue October 7, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026
Trump repeatedly patted Xi on the back, a gesture considered highly inappropriate in Chinese political culture.

— Ana Ceballos, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of patted

Verb

Naomi Ackie, who plays the scientist charged with Hagen’s experimental procedure, praised how her co-star shouldered what was a very challenging role.

— Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026
At a news conference Friday, police also praised a teacher who threw a cellphone at the gunman, tackled him and fought to take his weapon.

— Kerry Breen, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of praised

Verb

Analysts applauded Apple for introducing HomeView at a reasonable price given all the component shortages.

— Kif Leswing,Annie Palmer,Jordan Novet, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026
Mitchell, who turns 83 next month and was using a walking stick, also posted a short video clip from the ceremony, in which she was applauded by others gathered in the room.

— Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of applauded

Verb

Hutch sat with his back against the palm, eyes puffed and closed.

— Gerald R. Hunter, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2026
Uncover and continue baking for 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is puffed and appears dry, and a toothpick inserted into the brownie portion near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of puffed

Browse Nearby Words

stroke

stroked

stroked (out)

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“Stroked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stroked. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of stroked

verb

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