crossword clue stroke – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find all possible solutions for the crossword clue "stroke", categorized by their letter count. Whether it's a medical event, a gentle touch, or a sports action, we've got you covered with concise explanations to help you complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "crossword clue stroke" by Letter Count
3 Letters
DAB: A light, quick stroke or touch, often used with a small amount of liquid or cream.
PAT: A light, quick stroke or touch, often indicating affection or approval.
HIT: A forceful stroke or blow, as in hitting a ball in sports.
4 Letters
BLOW: A strong, sudden stroke, often implying impact or damage.
5 Letters
SWIPE: A sweeping stroke or blow, often done quickly or with force.
6 Letters
ATTACK: A sudden medical event, commonly referred to as a stroke, especially in the context of brain events.
CARESS: A gentle, loving stroke or touch.
TROWEL: A small handheld tool with a flat, pointed blade, used for spreading cement or digging, often implying a spreading stroke.
7 Letters
SEIZURE: A medical condition characterized by uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain, sometimes used in a broader sense related to sudden neurological events.
10 Letters
BACKSTROKE: A common swimming stroke performed on the back, one of the four competitive strokes.
11 Letters
BRUSHSTROKE: A mark made by a painter's brush, often a defining feature of a painting's style or technique.
More About "crossword clue stroke"
The word "stroke" is a fantastic example of a polysemous word, one that has multiple distinct meanings. This makes it a frequent, yet challenging, clue in crosswords. Depending on the context, "stroke" could refer to a medical emergency (like a cerebrovascular accident), a gentle touch or caress, a powerful blow (as in a golf swing or a single movement of an oar), or even a mark made by a pen or brush. Crossword setters cleverly leverage these varied definitions to create clues that test your vocabulary and contextual understanding.
Understanding which meaning of "stroke" is intended is crucial for solving the puzzle. Clues might provide subtle hints through accompanying words (e.g., "artist's stroke," "swimmer's stroke," "paralytic stroke"). The number of letters in the answer and any crossing letters you've already filled in are also invaluable aids in narrowing down the possibilities. This multi-faceted nature of "stroke" ensures it remains a staple in crossword puzzles, always encouraging solvers to think beyond the most obvious interpretation.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Context: Always look for other words in the clue that might narrow down the meaning of a polysemous word like "stroke." Is there a hint towards art, sports, or medicine?
- Consider All Meanings: If a clue seems straightforward but the answer doesn't fit, think about less common or alternative meanings of the key word. Many words have surprising depths of definition.
- Utilize Letter Counts & Crosses: The number of letters in the answer box and any letters you've already filled in from intersecting words are your best friends. They can eliminate many possibilities instantly.
- Think About Parts of Speech: Is the clue hinting at a noun (the stroke) or a verb (to stroke)? This can significantly change the range of potential answers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does "stroke" have so many different answers in crosswords?
Because the word "stroke" is polysemous, meaning it has multiple distinct meanings (e.g., a medical event, a gentle touch, a movement in sports, a mark made by a pen/brush). Crossword setters often exploit this ambiguity to create challenging clues.
How can I tell which meaning of "stroke" is intended by the clue?
Look for surrounding words in the clue that provide context (e.g., "gentle stroke," "swimming stroke," "medical stroke"). Also, consider the given letter count and any crossing letters you've already filled in from other clues. The puzzle's theme or setter's style can also be a hint.
Are medical terms common crossword answers?
Yes, medical terms, especially common ones or those that have alternative meanings, frequently appear in crosswords. Being familiar with a wide range of vocabulary, including specialized terms, general science, and common abbreviations, is highly helpful for solving.