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stroke Synonyms

Another word for stroke

Choosing another word for stroke depends on context, so the 44 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 8 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• noun (Context 1)

A sudden, severe medical condition caused by a blocked or ruptured blood vessel in the brain, resulting in a loss of blood flow and often leading to paralysis or impaired speech.

Usage Example

"Quick medical intervention after a cerebrovascular accident can significantly improve a patient's recovery."

Strongest
cerebrovascular accident
apoplexy
Strong
brain attack
Weak
embolism
thrombosis

• verb (Context 2)

To move one's hand gently and repeatedly over a surface, hair, or fur, typically out of affection or to soothe.

Usage Example

"She sat by the fireplace and gently stroked the sleeping dog's head."

Strongest
caress
pet
Strong
fondle
pat
rub
smooth
Weak
massage
touch

• noun (Context 3)

A single movement or mark made by a pen, pencil, or paintbrush.

Usage Example

"With a few bold strokes of charcoal, the artist sketched the outline of the mountains."

Strongest
brushstroke
Strong
mark
line
flourish
dash
streak

• noun (Context 4)

An act of moving one's hand gently and repeatedly across a surface, especially to comfort or show affection.

Usage Example

"The cat began to purr after just a few gentle strokes along its back."

Strongest
caress
Strong
pat
rub
touch

• noun (Context 5)

A sudden, notable occurrence or action having a strong effect, such as a piece of luck or a brilliant idea.

Usage Example

"Finding that rare book at the flea market was a remarkable feat of luck."

Strong
feat
coup
masterstroke
move
act
piece
touch
Weak
achievement

• noun (Context 6)

A specific style or method of moving the arms and legs in swimming, or a single complete movement in rowing, tennis, or golf.

Usage Example

"The butterfly is widely considered the most physically demanding swimming swing."

Strong
swing
shot
style
Weak
movement

• verb (Context 7)

To flatter, reassure, or attentively soothe someone's ego or feelings in order to keep them pleased.

Usage Example

"The manager knew just how to flatter the client's ego during the negotiation."

Strongest
flatter
butter up
Strong
soothe
massage
cajole
coax
sweet-talk
wheedle
placate
reassure

• verb (Context 8)

To hit or propel a ball smoothly and deliberately in sports such as golf, tennis, or cricket, or to row a boat at a specific pace.

Usage Example

"He stroked the ball cleanly across the grass and into the far corner of the court."

Strong
hit
strike
drive
Weak
swat
tap

Opposites of stroke

The opposite of stroke shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

bruise
deflate
belittle
strike
blow
insult
hit
offend
See all opposites of stroke

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Stroke. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/stroke
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