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flash

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verb

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as in to twinkle
to shine with light at regular intervals the disco lights flashed, and the revelers danced

Synonyms & Similar Words

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flash

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adjective

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb flash contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of flash are gleam, glimmer, glint, glisten, glitter, shimmer, and sparkle. While all these words mean "to send forth light," flash implies a sudden outburst of bright light.

lightning flashed

When is it sensible to use gleam instead of flash?

Although the words gleam and flash have much in common, gleam suggests a steady light seen through an obscuring medium or against a dark background.

lights gleamed in the valley

When could glimmer be used to replace flash?

The words glimmer and flash are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, glimmer suggests a faint or wavering gleam.

a distant glimmering light

Where would glint be a reasonable alternative to flash?

While in some cases nearly identical to flash, glint implies a cold glancing light.

glinting steel

When would glisten be a good substitute for flash?

While the synonyms glisten and flash are close in meaning, glisten applies to the soft sparkle from a wet or oily surface.

glistening wet sidewalk

In what contexts can glitter take the place of flash?

The synonyms glitter and flash are sometimes interchangeable, but glitter connotes a brilliant sparkling or gleaming.

glittering diamonds

When can shimmer be used instead of flash?

The words shimmer and flash can be used in similar contexts, but shimmer means shining with a wavering light.

a shimmering satin dress

When might sparkle be a better fit than flash?

The meanings of sparkle and flash largely overlap; however, sparkle suggests innumerable moving points of bright light.

the sparkling waters

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of flash
Noun
Hurricanes did flood the region in late summer 2024, but before that, the Carolinas were experiencing a flash drought. Lauren Lowman, The Conversation, 5 Mar. 2025 It isn’t expected to cause widespread flooding concerns, but cities such as Philadelphia, New York City and Boston could see some flash flooding, especially in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Mary Gilbert, CNN, 5 Mar. 2025
Verb
Pages, 24, flashed a year ago and authored the first multi-homer game by a rookie in Dodgers postseason history last October. Fabian Ardaya, The Athletic, 3 Mar. 2025 In addition to her dramatic gown, the movie's Elphaba flashed an impressive manicure with shades of gold and green and details such as a clock — thanks to her manicurist Mycah Dior — and a gown from Louis Vuitton. Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
The German figures come a day before the scheduled release of flash inflation data for the euro area, which will be closely watched by investors for guidance on the odds of another interest rate cut from the European Central Bank. Sophie Kiderlin, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2024 Residents who live near the intersection where the accident occurred said the flash mobs of street takeovers have become weekly occurrences in their neighborhood. Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2022 See All Example Sentences for flash
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flash
Noun
  • After a flurry of offense, Paul taunted Canada and was mauled by Priest because of it.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
  • But beyond a flurry of appointments of crypto-friendly officials when Trump took office, there has been little concrete news around that policy for investors.
    Rae Wee and Brigid Riley, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • For a color burst, look to Proenza Schouler, Dear Frances, and Cos—these pleasant spring hues will break up the dreariness of the current season.
    Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Customers, including businesses, governments and individuals, will be able to request light bursts by simply entering their location's GPS coordinates online.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 4 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Howard also appeared and started in 57 playoff games, averaging 19.9 points, 14.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 2.7 blocks in 39.4 minutes.
    Jason Beede, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2025
  • During the system’s seventh test mission on Jan. 16, SpaceX similarly lost communication with the vehicle’s upper stage after about 8 minutes.
    Denise Chow, NBC News, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Cheng Xin/Getty Images Call it a miracle, or a marketing ploy: Duo the owl is back from the dead.
    Rachel Treisman, NPR, 26 Feb. 2025
  • And, like the small miracle of any benthic shine found in sandy human hands, Frame’s prolific œuvre very nearly didn’t exist for us, but for drastic, tidal chance.
    Audrey Wollen, The New Yorker, 25 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • For the world to witness such a spectacle in the Oval Office was deeply unsettling.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025
  • But dialing in such reusable space exploration systems has been difficult and generated the spectacle of many RUDs or explosions in the development process.
    Eric Mack, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • From gleaming marble countertops to pristine wood flooring, even the slightest imperfections can impact a property’s value.
    Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2025
  • At the Museum of Clocks, also in Chengdu, textural red brickwork alludes more to the area’s humble past than a gleaming future.
    Oscar Holland, CNN, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Some proudly display the Israeli flag in their sanctuaries.
    Yonat Shimron, NPR, 9 Mar. 2025
  • The event was inspired by the Korean pottery displayed in the museum’s Gerstner Collections Core.
    Joan MacDonald, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The fields are illuminated by soft, twinkling lights that dance through the rows of tulips, creating an atmosphere of pure wonder.
    Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 12 Feb. 2025
  • Adding strands of these twinkling lights—also called fairy lights—to the inside of your home creates a glowing effect in your space throughout the year.
    Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Flash.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flash. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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