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Some common synonyms of strike<\/em> are affect<\/em><\/a>, impress<\/em><\/a>, influence<\/em><\/a>, sway<\/em><\/a>, and touch<\/em><\/a>. While all these words mean \"to produce or have an effect upon,\" strike<\/em>, similar to but weaker than impress<\/em>, may convey the notion of sudden sharp perception or appreciation.<\/p>

\/\/ struck<\/em> by the solemnity of the occasion<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Where would 'affect' be a reasonable alternative to 'strike'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The meanings of affect<\/em><\/a> and strike<\/em> largely overlap; however, affect<\/em> implies the action of a stimulus that can produce a response or reaction.<\/p>

\/\/ the sight affected<\/em> her to tears<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When can 'impress' be used instead of 'strike'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While the synonyms impress<\/em><\/a> and strike<\/em> are close in meaning, impress<\/em> stresses the depth and persistence of the effect.<\/p>

\/\/ only one of the plans impressed<\/em> him<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When might 'influence' be a better fit than 'strike'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The words influence<\/em><\/a> and strike<\/em> are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, influence<\/em> implies a force that brings about a change (as in nature or behavior).<\/p>

\/\/ our beliefs are influenced<\/em> by our upbringing<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "In what contexts can 'sway' take the place of 'strike'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The synonyms sway<\/em><\/a> and strike<\/em> are sometimes interchangeable, but sway<\/em> implies the acting of influences that are not resisted or are irresistible, with resulting change in character or course of action.<\/p>

\/\/ politicians who are swayed<\/em> by popular opinion<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is 'touch' a more appropriate choice than 'strike'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The words touch<\/em><\/a> and strike<\/em> can be used in similar contexts, but touch<\/em> may carry a vivid suggestion of close contact and may connote stirring, arousing, or harming.<\/p>

\/\/ plants touched<\/em> by frost<\/p>

\/\/ his emotions were touched<\/em> by her distress<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How does the verb 'strike' differ from other similar words?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Some common synonyms of strike<\/em> are affect<\/em><\/a>, impress<\/em><\/a>, influence<\/em><\/a>, sway<\/em><\/a>, and touch<\/em><\/a>. While all these words mean \"to produce or have an effect upon,\" strike<\/em>, similar to but weaker than impress<\/em>, may convey the notion of sudden sharp perception or appreciation.<\/p>

\/\/ struck<\/em> by the solemnity of the occasion<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Where would 'affect' be a reasonable alternative to 'strike'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The meanings of affect<\/em><\/a> and strike<\/em> largely overlap; however, affect<\/em> implies the action of a stimulus that can produce a response or reaction.<\/p>

\/\/ the sight affected<\/em> her to tears<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When can 'impress' be used instead of 'strike'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While the synonyms impress<\/em><\/a> and strike<\/em> are close in meaning, impress<\/em> stresses the depth and persistence of the effect.<\/p>

\/\/ only one of the plans impressed<\/em> him<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When might 'influence' be a better fit than 'strike'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The words influence<\/em><\/a> and strike<\/em> are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, influence<\/em> implies a force that brings about a change (as in nature or behavior).<\/p>

\/\/ our beliefs are influenced<\/em> by our upbringing<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "In what contexts can 'sway' take the place of 'strike'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The synonyms sway<\/em><\/a> and strike<\/em> are sometimes interchangeable, but sway<\/em> implies the acting of influences that are not resisted or are irresistible, with resulting change in character or course of action.<\/p>

\/\/ politicians who are swayed<\/em> by popular opinion<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is 'touch' a more appropriate choice than 'strike'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The words touch<\/em><\/a> and strike<\/em> can be used in similar contexts, but touch<\/em> may carry a vivid suggestion of close contact and may connote stirring, arousing, or harming.<\/p>

\/\/ plants touched<\/em> by frost<\/p>

\/\/ his emotions were touched<\/em> by her distress<\/p>" } } ] }

strike 1 of 2

verb

ˈstrÄ«k How to pronounce strike (audio)
Definition of strikenext
1
as in to walk
to refuse to work in order to force an employer to meet demands the union is calling for its members to strike until the mining company agrees to meet safety standards

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in to affect
to act upon (a person or a person's feelings) so as to cause a response we were struck by the willingness of total strangers to go out of their way to help us

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to occur (to)
to enter the mind of it struck her later that no one at the bank had asked for identification

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to bump
to come into usually forceful contact with something the thump of hailstones striking the cars in the parking lot

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to hit
to deliver a blow to (someone or something) usually in a strong vigorous manner the driver of the car behind me applied his brakes too late and struck my car from the rear

Synonyms & Similar Words
6
as in to dismantle
to take apart the stagehands struck the sets the morning after the play closed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in to attack
to take sudden, violent action against a rattlesnake strikes its prey with lightning speed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
8
as in to possess
to cast a spell on the only way that she's going to get a man is if she strikes one

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

strike

2 of 2

noun

1
as in walkout
a work stoppage by a body of workers intended to force an employer to meet their demands the nurses will go on strike tomorrow unless they're finally given a pay raise

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in attack
the act or action of setting upon with force or violence the first strike was directed at a munitions warehouse

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in disadvantage
a feature of someone or something that creates difficulty for achieving success kids born into poverty already have a strike against them

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in collision
a forceful coming together of two things the strike of a hammer against a nail always has a satisfying sound when you're building something yourself

Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in accident
an unexpected benefit or advantage resulting from the uncertain course of events she's made one strike after another since she began speculating in real estate

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb strike differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of strike are affect, impress, influence, sway, and touch. While all these words mean "to produce or have an effect upon," strike, similar to but weaker than impress, may convey the notion of sudden sharp perception or appreciation.

struck by the solemnity of the occasion

Where would affect be a reasonable alternative to strike?

The meanings of affect and strike largely overlap; however, affect implies the action of a stimulus that can produce a response or reaction.

the sight affected her to tears

When can impress be used instead of strike?

While the synonyms impress and strike are close in meaning, impress stresses the depth and persistence of the effect.

only one of the plans impressed him

When might influence be a better fit than strike?

The words influence and strike are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, influence implies a force that brings about a change (as in nature or behavior).

our beliefs are influenced by our upbringing

In what contexts can sway take the place of strike?

The synonyms sway and strike are sometimes interchangeable, but sway implies the acting of influences that are not resisted or are irresistible, with resulting change in character or course of action.

politicians who are swayed by popular opinion

When is touch a more appropriate choice than strike?

The words touch and strike can be used in similar contexts, but touch may carry a vivid suggestion of close contact and may connote stirring, arousing, or harming.

plants touched by frost
his emotions were touched by her distress

How does the verb strike differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of strike are affect, impress, influence, sway, and touch. While all these words mean "to produce or have an effect upon," strike, similar to but weaker than impress, may convey the notion of sudden sharp perception or appreciation.

struck by the solemnity of the occasion

Where would affect be a reasonable alternative to strike?

The meanings of affect and strike largely overlap; however, affect implies the action of a stimulus that can produce a response or reaction.

the sight affected her to tears

When can impress be used instead of strike?

While the synonyms impress and strike are close in meaning, impress stresses the depth and persistence of the effect.

only one of the plans impressed him

When might influence be a better fit than strike?

The words influence and strike are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, influence implies a force that brings about a change (as in nature or behavior).

our beliefs are influenced by our upbringing

In what contexts can sway take the place of strike?

The synonyms sway and strike are sometimes interchangeable, but sway implies the acting of influences that are not resisted or are irresistible, with resulting change in character or course of action.

politicians who are swayed by popular opinion

When is touch a more appropriate choice than strike?

The words touch and strike can be used in similar contexts, but touch may carry a vivid suggestion of close contact and may connote stirring, arousing, or harming.

plants touched by frost
his emotions were touched by her distress

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 strike
Verb
The military buildup gives the president optionality, not just to strike, but to bargain from strength, Cohen noted. —Anniek Bao, CNBC, 26 Mar. 2026 The 40-liter capacity strikes the perfect balance between spacious storage and airline carry-on compliance. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
Funeral ceremonies are held for health workers Ali Jaber and Joud Sulelman in Nabatieh, southern Lebanon today, after they were killed in an Israeli strike in the nearby town of Harouf yesterday. —Monica Alba, NBC news, 25 Mar. 2026 At least 157 people have been wounded by the strikes, the ministry said. —CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for strike
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strike
  1. walk
  2. affect
  3. bump
  4. hit
  5. dismantle
  6. attack
  7. possess
  8. walkout
Verb
  • Wolf, who serves as president of AFGE TSA Local 1127, is hesitant to walk away from both the job that turned her life around and her role advocating for fellow officers.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Against Country Day, pitching a complete game while throwing 117 pitches, Langford scattered five hits, walked three and fanned 11 in the victory.
    — Mike Waters, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Mar. 2026
Definition of walk
Verb
  • But those programs run up against systemic challenges and the health conditions that disproportionately affect Black women, according to Montgomery.
    — Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 27 Mar. 2026
  • People affected by the water main break can get clean water at two different water filling stations in Upper Chichester and Marcus Hook.
    — Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
Definition of affect
Verb
  • Images and videos shared on social media show robots from various brands getting lost, bumping into things, and struggling to cross streets.
    — Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 26 Mar. 2026
  • The site is a non-union location and there are no bumping rights.
    — Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 23 Mar. 2026
Definition of bump
Verb
  • The ball then hit the football goal post crossbar and bounded down to Luis Duenas who headed it from point-blank range toward the net.
    — Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Mar. 2026
  • The organization doesn’t expect Owens to hit and pitch in the same game this year, but intends to build him toward that goal eventually.
    — Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 21 Mar. 2026
Definition of hit
Verb
  • Now that system is being dismantled.
    — Lauren Frayer, NPR, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Thanks to the relentless work of the Philadelphia Police Department and our federal partners, this violent crew has been dismantled and held accountable.
    — Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026
Definition of dismantle
Verb
  • Authorities are working to identify the owner of a dog that entered a Midlothian home and attacked a 1‑year‑old child and an adult, leaving them bloodied and the child hospitalized with severe injuries.
    — Doug Myers, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Banchero’s ball The Magic forward attacked downhill early and often to notch 10 points in the opening quarter and a team-high 18 in the first half.
    — Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2026
Definition of attack
Verb
  • During a recorded interview, officials said Catron confessed to possessing child pornography.
    — Sergio Candido, CBS News, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Rosatom also possesses the know-how to build small modular reactors (SMRs), which Vietnam is considering for its nuclear energy portfolio in the future.
    — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 24 Mar. 2026
Definition of possess
Noun
  • The strike coincided with a seven-day walkout by teachers in the Natomas Unified School District, leaving tens of thousands of Sacramento-area students in classes staffed by substitute teachers, and in some cases, prompting parents to pull their children from school.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 23 Mar. 2026
  • Bondi also criticized Democrats' walkout.
    — Joe Walsh, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026
Definition of walkout

Phrases Containing strike

Browse Nearby Words

strifes
strike
strike a bargain
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Cite this Entry

“Strike.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strike. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on strike

Nglish: Translation of strike for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about strike

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