Definitions

stroke

[strohk] / stroʊk /

NOUN

a blow, a striking

Synonyms

STRONGEST

blow

STRONG

hit move movement

NOUN

accomplishment

Synonyms

STRONG

achievement coup deed feat

Antonyms

STRONG

failure inaction inactivity

NOUN

seizure

Synonyms

STRONGEST

collapse shock

STRONG

apoplexy attack convulsion fit

VERB

pat lengthwise

Synonyms

STRONGEST

brush caress rub

STRONG

chuck comfort fondle pet smooth soothe tickle

Antonyms

STRONG

aggravate agitate distress irritate upset

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for stroke (medical)?

The sudden loss of brain function most commonly called a stroke is also known by several other names: apoplexy, cerebrovascular accident, cerebral accident, and cerebral infarction. Strokes can be caused by a cerebral hemorrhage, and that term is sometimes used to refer to a type of stroke. Synonyms for cerebral hemorrhage include encephalorrhagia and hematencephalon. The word stroke is also used in other medical conditions, including heatstroke and sunstroke.

What is another word for stroke (general)?

The word stroke has several different senses. movement As a noun, stroke can refer to a movement or motion, such as of a pen, brush, or similar implement, or the (often repeated) motion of a machine part. hand movement Stroke commonly refers to a light movement of the hand with soft pressure. Synonyms for this sense include pet and caress. Like this sense of stroke, these can be used as either verbs or nouns. strike, blow In the sense of a strong hit with something like a hammer or fist, synonyms of stroke include strike, blow, and hit. These can also be used as both verbs and nouns. sports In swimming, stroke refers to the swimming style, such as backstroke, butterfly, and freestyle. In rowing, a stroke is a pull on the oars. In golf, a stroke is an instance of hitting the ball, or at least the tally of such a hit, as in one-stroke penalty. In the context of other sports, stroke is used more generally to refer to a motion, often one involving contact with a ball. other senses In stroke of genius and masterstroke, stroke can mean something like act, feat, or touch. In stroke of luck, it means something like a sudden happening or occurrence, likened to a stroke of lightning.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, PSP is caused by damage to nerve cells in areas of the brain that control thinking and body movements.

From Los Angeles Times • May 16, 2026

"Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability, so it's exciting to think that improving our diets could lessen our risk for this devastating disease," said Wang.

From Science Daily • Feb. 9, 2026

FAHA, former chair of the International Stroke Conference and author of the commentary, Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy | Stroke, said the findings fit into a broader understanding of dementia risk.

From Science Daily • Feb. 1, 2026

Angela Contestabile, from the Stroke Association, said there was also a "postcode lottery across Wales as to who gets treatment, and who gets it when".

From BBC • Jan. 28, 2026

—I have Volumes of Data, said I, and you shall in a Stroke render them all useless.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson

stroke

Frequently Asked Questions

Example Sentences

Vocabulary lists containing stroke

The SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 2

The Smashing Lexicon of Tennis

The New SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words

stroke

Frequently Asked Questions

Example Sentences

Related Words

Vocabulary lists containing stroke

The SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 2

The Smashing Lexicon of Tennis

The New SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words