syncope

noun

syn·​co·​pe ˈsiŋ-kə-(ˌ)pē How to pronounce syncope (audio)
ˈsin-
Synonyms of syncopenext
1
: loss of consciousness resulting from insufficient blood flow to the brain : faint
2
: the loss of one or more sounds or letters in the interior of a word (as in fo'c'sle for forecastle)
syncopal
ˈsiŋ-kə-pəl How to pronounce syncope (audio)
ˈsin-
adjective

Synonyms of syncope

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Examples of syncope in a Sentence

syncope has been reported in a small percentage of patients taking the drug
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In severe cases, a loss of consciousness (syncope) may occur. — Alicen Nelson Md, Verywell Health, 27 Mar. 2025 About 40% of adults will experience vasovagal syncope in their lifetime. — Sherri Gordon, Health, 8 June 2025 Too much laughter may cause laugh syncope, a rare condition characterized by a transient loss of consciousness and postural tone due to inadequate blood flow to the brain. — Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026 Vasovagal syncope is defined by the British National Health Service as a common type of fainting caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure and heart rate. — Jessica Hopkins, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for syncope

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, from Greek synkopē, literally, cutting short, from synkoptein to cut short, from syn- + koptein to cut — more at capon

First Known Use

circa 1550, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of syncope was circa 1550

Rhymes for syncope

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Browse Nearby Words

syncopator
syncope
syncraniate
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Cite this Entry

“Syncope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/syncope. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

syncope

noun
syn·​co·​pe ˈsiŋ-kə-(ˌ)pē How to pronounce syncope (audio)
ˈsin-
1
: faint entry 3, swoon entry 2 sense 1
2
: the loss of one or more sounds or letters in the middle of a word (as in fo'c'sle for forecastle)

Medical Definition

syncope

noun
syn·​co·​pe ˈsiŋ-kə-pē, ˈsin- How to pronounce syncope (audio)
: loss of consciousness resulting from insufficient blood flow to the brain : faint

More from Merriam-Webster on syncope

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about syncope

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