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 Pulling out the rocket launcher Mac had bought him on the dark web, Dennis was genuinely overcome, caressing his bucket-list war weapon in stunned gratitude, while Mac beamed in what, on any other show, would be heartwarming friendship. — Dennis Perkins, Entertainment Weekly, 28 July 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 The Princess Diaries star smiles, caresses her belly, then ducks out of the frame. — Redazione People, Vanity Fair, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for caress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for caress
  1. pat
  2. stroke
Verb
  • In this case, there’s no swiping or rubbing at all—just let the pads sit and soak in for a few minutes before gently patting in the excess.
    — Jenny Jin, Glamour, 29 Sep. 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 pat
Verb
  • The young woman on the left strokes her hair and tells her not to be nervous.
    — Anna Griffin, New York Times, 4 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
Definition of stroke

Browse Nearby Words

cares (for)
caress
caressed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Caress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/caress. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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