DANCES Synonyms: 80 Similar and Opposite Words

dances 1 of 2

noun

plural of dance

as in proms

a social gathering for dancing who are you taking to the dance on Saturday night?

Synonyms & Similar Words

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dances

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of dance

as in steps

to perform a series of usually rhythmic bodily movements to music she can't resist dancing to her favorite rock bands

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in darts

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

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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 dances

Noun

The couple is announced and shares a dance, followed by mother/son and father/daughter dances, when applicable. — Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 15 Aug. 2026 The styling, the photos, the posts, the dances, the pace of the platforms. — Advertorial, Footwear News, 13 Aug. 2026 Paintings passed down vital wisdom about flora and fauna while candidly documenting the full spectrum of human life—from group dances and hunts to intimacy, reproductive cycles, and rituals. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Aug. 2026 When drug traffickers allegedly subsidize TikTok dances, a victim’s innocence can be almost impossible to discern. — Kevin Sieff, The Atlantic, 13 Aug. 2026 Kids in all three countries loved learning dances from TikTok and annoying their siblings. — Ryan Lenora Brown, Christian Science Monitor, 12 Aug. 2026 Georgia is culturally alive and vibrant—polyphonic singing seen and heard through swirling traditional dances, finally, felt through ancient cobblestones underfoot. — Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026 Speirs began moving and grooving between innings, choreographing dances for each player’s walk-up song. — Abigail Dollins, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Aug. 2026 But instead, Lee traded in school dances, graduations and family birthdays for connections all around the world. — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026

Verb

Jennifer Corey dances the Viennese Waltz with student Michael Moore Thursday, March 12, 2015, at the Denver Turnverein in Denver, Colorado. — Christa Swanson, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026 The Dancing Queen dances like no one is watching, however, all eyes are on her. — Abigail Dollins, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Aug. 2026 Alvarez dances with Frankie Grande, Ariana’s brother, during her Brooklyn concert, receiving the family blessing. — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 20 July 2026 This book about a couple in complex crisis creates a sense of political alienation that The Drama frankly dances around. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 2 July 2026 Listen to the supple bass line, which dances throughout the song as its own character. — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 18 June 2026 The truffle vinaigrette drizzled atop imparts an earthy aroma and complexity that dances with the lobster and wagyu’s profiles. — Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026 This week, Olivia Rodrigo dances her way into her sweetheart’s arms on a standout from You Seem Pretty Sad, New York rockers Interpol offer a first look into their new album, and L’Rain alchemizes distortion and harmony on an avalanche of a track. — Rolling Stone, 12 June 2026 And Floyd Smernitch dances plenty. — Daniel D'addario, Variety, 10 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dances

Noun

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
Dunkin’ Prom, which funds alternative proms for teens who may have missed theirs for medical reasons and lastly, grants to customize hospital spaces to create joy.

— Zuri Primos June 29, Kansas City Star, 29 June 2026

Definition of proms

Verb

As a result of her refusal, the entire kingdom is cursed to live without love and anyone who steps foot inside it is also cursed.

— Todd Spangler, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
Its new Grok Bot can take control of a computer and carry out digital work on its own, even after the user steps away.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of steps

Verb

Teenage darts champion and prodigy Luke Littler is headlining Netflix‘s next big live event.

— Max Goldbart, Deadline, 27 July 2026
There’s more — Arsenal’s Max Dowman, darts phenom Luke Littler, swimmer Summer McIntosh and basketball star Cooper Flagg have all been talked about as potential game-changers in their sports.

— Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 25 July 2026

Definition of darts

Noun

The city’s standing as a bastion of British literature, theatre, and classical music means that festivals are also a major draw year-round, like February’s Bath BachFest and the Children’s Literature Festival in September.

— Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
The period, which usually falls between July and August, is dedicated to the worship of Hindu god Lord Shiva and is marked by fasting, prayers and colorful monsoon festivals across India.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of festivals

Verb

In the clip, Dawkins shuffles out onto the field with no shirt, a pair of Crocs and a clear plastic bag ready to get the ol' inside-out treatment.

— Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2026
An exhibition game also shuffles the storylines — some players emerge, others might fade.

— Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of shuffles

Verb

As Photay, Shornstein—a master synthesist and producer—flits between atmospheric house, dubby breakbeat workouts, and chirping electro funk, building his songs’ arrangements into strange, angular shapes.

— Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 16 June 2026
Upstairs, a disco deep cut plays while Byrd flits about greeting everyone.

— Mike Albo, Vulture, 2 June 2026

Definition of flits

Noun

For the actual Democrat Day festivities featuring party leaders, candidates and officeholders, Welch was a notable no-show.

— Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026
Leu Gardens invites visitors for an enchanting evening of fairy festivities in a whimsical celebration at Orlando’s 50-acre botanical oasis.

— Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of festivities

Verb

Tracee Ellis Ross struts her stuff on the way out of Watch What Happens Live in New York City on July 23.

— People Staff, PEOPLE, 25 July 2026
The movie plunks us down at Mar-a-Lago, where Melania struts out the door and into the back of an SUV, which will take her to the red-white-and-blue private plane painted with the word TRUMP that’s waiting for her at the airport.

— Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 30 Jan. 2026