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
Zelig and Caroline Lewis Jones That’s how Zelig met Caroline Lewis Jones at a dance studio in Irmo, South Carolina. — Dateline Nbc, NBC news, 30 July 2026 In fact, 2024 statistics show that about one in four Americans participates in dance as a physical activity. — Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 30 July 2026
Verb
Video shared by the nonprofit captures dozens of dads participating in library outings over the past year, with children laughing, dancing and gathering for storytime alongside their fathers. — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026 After sermons and scripture reading, family and friends clad in colorful clothing danced down the aisle. — Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 22 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
  • The two went to Grandview High School’s prom together, taking a photo in front of a helicopter.
    — Eric Adler July 28, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026
  • Despite not attending the same school, the couple went to prom together in 2021.
    — Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026
Definition of prom
Verb
  • Its sweeping wooden exterior has made Oodi one of the Finnish capital’s architectural landmarks, yet the building becomes more interesting after stepping inside and seeing how residents use it.
    — David Nikel, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • Journal, rest, or step away from the noise long enough to notice the pattern.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 July 2026
Definition of step
Verb
  • And Clark didn’t let up, darting around the backcourt like a pest as the opposition brought the ball up the United Center floor, not doing too much as much as trying to do something.
    — Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 26 July 2026
  • Hamilton was on course for a record-extending 105th pole position, and first in a full grand prix since Hungary in 2023, before Norris darted through to take it away.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026
Definition of dart
Noun
  • Two people were killed and at least five others were injured in a shooting at Seattle Center on Sunday night as the civic center complex hosted a major food festival.
    — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 27 July 2026
  • Three people are dead and four others are injured after shots rang out at the Bite of Seattle food festival at the Seattle Center on Sunday, according to officials.
    — Leah Sarnoff, ABC News, 27 July 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
  • Sacramento State is planning its biggest homecoming celebration yet as the university begins its first football season in the Mid-American Conference, but this year's festivities come with a major change after a concert last season ended in chaos.
    — Steve Large, CBS News, 31 July 2026
  • Unfortunately, the big 20th-anniversary celebration likely stymied any conversations around cleaning house.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 31 July 2026
Definition of celebration
Verb
  • Since 2021, he and his former financing company Creative Wealth Media, which declared bankruptcy in 2023, have been named in at least four lawsuit accusing him of shuffling investments around various entities to repay outstanding loans.
    — Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 29 July 2026
  • Giants manager Tony Vitello went another way, shuffling a few papers before heading up the tunnel to the home clubhouse.
    — Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 27 July 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 31 Jul. 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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