dance 1 of 2

noun

Definition of dancenext
as in prom
a social gathering for dancing who are you taking to the dance on Saturday night?

Synonyms & Similar Words

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dance

2 of 2

verb

ˈdan(t)s How to pronounce dance (audio)
1
as in to step
to perform a series of usually rhythmic bodily movements to music she can't resist dancing to her favorite rock bands

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to dart
to make an irregular series of quick, sudden movements the lithe boxer danced around the ring, staying just out of the reach of his opponent

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 dance
Noun
Wisdom is learned through the body and its interactions with others in the land and waters, from and through movement and multiple senses, such as music, dance, fragrance, touch, taste and seeing. — Chenier Carpio Opua, The Conversation, 5 Aug. 2026 Throughout the evening, attendees will be able to peruse a brand-new collection of altars, watch traditional folklorico and Aztec dance performances, enjoy Mexican cuisine from local businesses and learn about the remembrance holiday. — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 5 Aug. 2026
Verb
One of my brothers used to dance with me, and the other is in the Marines right now. — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 31 July 2026 The iconic Mexican American actor Danny Trejo also stars in the visual, smashing a piñata and dancing alongside Becky G during a street party. — Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for dance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dance
  1. prom
  2. step
  3. dart
  4. festival
  5. waltz
  6. flit
  7. celebration
  8. shuffle
Noun
  • Trevizo attended prom and had planned to walk at her high school graduation while awaiting trial, but the school asked her not to attend.
    — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • In addition to showing up everywhere, from festivals to parades and weddings to proms, the Wienermobile has also helped people, including Drew Barrymore, celebrate their birthdays over the decades with special stops made in their honor.
    — Stacy Lambe, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026
Definition of prom
Verb
  • Ariana Grande plans to step away from the public eye following scrutiny amid ongoing discourse around her health, a representative told People.
    — Joe Kottke, NBC news, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Less than three years after helping Washington play for a national championship, Polk is stepping away from the NFL.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of step
Verb
  • The Falcons’ second-year safety watched the snap, darted into the backfield and nabbed receiver Zachariah Branch on an end-around.
    — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 31 July 2026
  • The Barcelona forward is a different option to Solanke with his ability in tight spaces and desire to stretch the defensive line with darting runs in-behind.
    — Thom Harris, New York Times, 31 July 2026
Definition of dart
Noun
  • Several years ago, performer and playwright Ty Autry had the idea of bringing together an Atlanta performing arts festival for the LGBTQ community.
    — Jim Farmer, AJC.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • One night earlier, Lipa made another appearance in the crowd at the festival.
    — Meg Walters, InStyle, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of festival
Verb
  • Jey Uso lost to Oba Femi and decided to waltz over to SmackDown to try to get a shot at Zayn’s title.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2026
  • Sweden waltzed to a 5-1 victory against Tunisia in its opener, with its forward line of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres capitalizing on some poor defending.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 20 June 2026
Definition of waltz
Verb
  • Both Kroupi and Alvarez flit between centre-forward and second-striker roles during matches.
    — Art de Roché, New York Times, 17 July 2026
  • An airy, not-too-sweet vanilla like Taunt is the perfect encapsulation of a Gemini who’s always flitting from one topic of interest to the next.
    — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 14 July 2026
Definition of flit
Noun
  • Trump has managed to bring up grass at events as varied as the signing of an executive order on TikTok and the 2025 White House celebration of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The community came together Wednesday to wish the young talent good luck at a send-off celebration and pizza party.
    — Allen Devlin, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of celebration
Verb
  • The results indicated continued progress in CVS' broader turnaround plan, which has involved cutting $2 billion in costs, closing underperforming stores, shuffling leadership and reducing costs within Medicare Advantage plans.
    — Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Few heads turn despite her tall, unmistakable frame shuffling across the floor.
    — Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of shuffle

Phrases Containing dance

Browse Nearby Words

dam (up)
dance
dance attendance (upon)
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Cite this Entry

“Dance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dance. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on dance

Nglish: Translation of dance for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dance

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