caress

verb

kə-ˈres How to pronounce caress (audio)
Definition of caressnext
as in to pat
to touch or handle in a tender or loving manner gently caressed her hair

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 caress Grudda pushed Barkow's wheelchair through the zoo, her hands caressing her mother's shoulders or pointing out the animals. — ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026 And short hair always feels so good once the temperatures climb and the humidity sets in; keeping your neck free allows the cool breeze of a blasting air conditioner to caress your skin. — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 12 June 2026 After examining her injury, Brito began to caress and massage Patient 1’s foot under the guise of providing care. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 28 June 2026 Richer, more concentrated Prosecco with delectable flavors of nectarine tart and apricot preserves with intense minerality and delicate bubbles that caress the palate. — Cathrine Todd, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for caress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for caress
  1. pat
  2. stroke
Verb
  • Been shooting some nice low scores in these last couple weeks outs here, so that’s something good to pat myself on the back.
    — Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2026
  • One of his lawyers, Benjamin Zeman, patted the director's back.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 June 2026
Definition of pat
Verb
  • Medina cuts the ball back, Almada dummies it intelligently and, when the ball reaches him, Messi has enough space to stroke a first-time shot into the net.
    — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 24 June 2026
  • But Argentina’s talisman stroked it wide of the net.
    — David Hickey, NBC news, 23 June 2026
Definition of stroke

Browse Nearby Words

cares (for)
caress
caressed
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Cite this Entry

“Caress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/caress. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on caress

Nglish: Translation of caress for Spanish Speakers

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