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

Instead, the prolific, up-and-coming filmmaker luxuriates in dances under the moonlight, fiery rituals and glimpses of memory, conceived with an ethereal quality in collaboration with cinematographer Eily Sprungman. — Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 20 July 2026 The parades — accompanied by dances, music and song — draw large crowds and tourists every year. — ABC News, 19 July 2026 The other employee starts filming as another dances along in the background. — Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 15 July 2026 Once known best for her #MomTok dances, the 33-year-old Brigham Young University fine arts graduate and mother of three in 2025 successfully collapsed the boundary between creator culture and traditional entertainment. — Emma Barker Bonomo, Time, 14 July 2026 The transitions from dialogue to songs to dances to corny one-liners is so fluid that the show is like one long dance. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 6 July 2026 But perhaps, most bittersweet were the final dances from some of the greatest soccer players seen in a generation. — Juliana Kim, NPR, 6 July 2026 The song has since soundtracked countless proposals and first dances for Swifties and their betrothed all over the world. — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 2 July 2026 The center hosts a range of events, including plays, art shows, concerts, movies, dances, festivals, and other special events. — Korrin Bishop, Southern Living, 1 July 2026

Verb

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 This stubbornly optimistic place, where family after family scrapes and claws and laughs and dances their way to a better tomorrow. — Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 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 Demi Remick, who currently dances alongside a live iteration of the YouTube sensation Postmodern Jukebox, is adapting Eleanor Powell’s solos from Hollywood’s Golden Age. — Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dances

Noun

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
Their stores specialize in dresses for proms, weddings, special occasions and quinceañeras.

— Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2026

Definition of proms

Noun

The brand is promoting it through experiential activations at major festivals, allowing consumers to discover its unique profile firsthand.

— Amber Love Bond, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
The documentary utilizes a montage of vintage footage with animation and felt puppets of band members, and, having played the festivals, is due for national release sometime in 2026.

— Steve Appleford, SPIN, 20 July 2026

Definition of festivals

Verb

On a cloudy-white Sunday morning in June, Joey Phelps shuffles into the familiar back pew of Yeakley Chapel, the small Methodist church that has been a part of his life for nearly 50 years.

— Harry Bruinius, Christian Science Monitor, 5 July 2026
As though on cue, Wardrobe — my beloved, and giant, closet — shuffles over from the corner of my room, the mahogany wood groaning with the effort.

— Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 25 June 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

Bobis reviewed the sparkling apple ginger sour cherry mocktail and called it a fit for fall festivities and Sober October.

— Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 22, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026
The match ended in a tie, yet that did not preclude the hundreds of Ecuadorians assembled to wave their flags, dance and continue the festivities.

— Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2026

Definition of festivities

Verb

Chloe Bailey struts the streets of New York City in a fun ensemble on June 23.

— Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 26 June 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