streak
10 synonyms for streak, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A thin line or smear, often left by dirt, color, or motion.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A thin line or smear, often left by dirt, color, or motion.
“The wet brush left a long streak of white paint down the wall.”
How to use streak
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
winning streak
streak of bad luck
a mean streak
Etymology
From Old English strica, meaning a line or stroke, related to a very old root meaning simply "line."
Full origin of streak →Frequently asked questions
What does “streak” mean?
The word “streak” means a thin line or smear, often left by dirt, color, or motion. In plain terms, a thin line or mark, an unbroken run of similar events, or (informally) running naked in public.
How do you pronounce “streak”?
“Streak” is pronounced streek (/stɹiːk/ in IPA).
How do you use “streak” in a sentence?
Here is “streak” used in a sentence: “There was a streak of mud across her jacket.”
What part of speech is “streak”?
Depending on how it is used, “streak” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “streak” come from?
The word “streak” comes from Old English. From Old English strica, meaning a line or stroke, related to a very old root meaning simply "line.".
Is “streak” a common word?
“Streak” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “streak” have?
“Streak” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a thin line or smear, often left by dirt, color, or motion.
What is a streak on Snapchat?
On Snapchat, a streak (or Snapstreak) is a count of how many consecutive days two people have sent each other snaps. If either person misses a day, the streak resets to zero, which is why users often send quick daily snaps just to keep the streak alive.
What is the difference between a streak and a stripe?
A stripe is a regular, usually deliberate band of color, like the stripes on a flag or a zebra. A streak is a thin, often irregular line or smear left by dirt, color, or fast movement, such as a streak of paint or a streak of lightning. Stripes look designed; streaks look accidental or fleeting.
