1
as in stepping
to perform a series of usually rhythmic bodily movements to music
she can't resist dancing to her favorite rock bands
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in darting
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 dancing
Morrissey, who was dancing dangerously on the blue line from his first shift of the game — and who scored the goal that broke the deadlock in Winnipeg’s favour — singlehandedly redefined Winnipeg’s margin for error in the first period against the Blues.
—
Murat Ates, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026
There was that incredible band that was playing above and then walked down, and then everyone started dancing.
—Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 9 Apr. 2026
Pieces may have elements of acrobatics, such as an actor playing a fox, dancing with joy, suspended by wires from the ceiling.
—ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026
In fact, her mastery of the luxury lifestyle — everything from jewelry appraisal and grooming to international relations and yes, dancing the Freddy — could be just as beneficial to her troop as learning to build a fire or pitch a tent.
—Angelique Jackson, Variety, 8 Apr. 2026
The annual Fanti Carnival saw elaborate processions with participants dressed in vibrant costumes, musical and masquerade performances, and dancing stilt walkers.
—Preeti Jha, semafor.com, 8 Apr. 2026
In last season’s finale, Coop and Mel shared a kiss and a moment while dancing.
—Erin Jensen, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2026
Folk dances abound all across the country, and huge crowds of people can be found dancing at festivals and weddings.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
How to reduce dust in house But knowing how to eliminate dust is more than dancing with a feather duster.
—Sunshine Flint, Architectural Digest, 2 Apr. 2026
Murat Ates, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026
There was that incredible band that was playing above and then walked down, and then everyone started dancing.
—Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 9 Apr. 2026
Pieces may have elements of acrobatics, such as an actor playing a fox, dancing with joy, suspended by wires from the ceiling.
—ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026
In fact, her mastery of the luxury lifestyle — everything from jewelry appraisal and grooming to international relations and yes, dancing the Freddy — could be just as beneficial to her troop as learning to build a fire or pitch a tent.
—Angelique Jackson, Variety, 8 Apr. 2026
The annual Fanti Carnival saw elaborate processions with participants dressed in vibrant costumes, musical and masquerade performances, and dancing stilt walkers.
—Preeti Jha, semafor.com, 8 Apr. 2026
In last season’s finale, Coop and Mel shared a kiss and a moment while dancing.
—Erin Jensen, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2026
Folk dances abound all across the country, and huge crowds of people can be found dancing at festivals and weddings.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
How to reduce dust in house But knowing how to eliminate dust is more than dancing with a feather duster.
—Sunshine Flint, Architectural Digest, 2 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dancing
Verb
-
Guthrie then walked out and waved to the crowd while locking arms with Jenna Bush Hager; the pair could be seen sharing a long hug before stepping outside.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Since stepping away from their royal roles in 2020, Harry, fifth in line to the throne, and Meghan have worked to protect their children's privacy, including shielding their faces from the public eye.—
GMA Team,
ABC News,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The confused drivers darting across three lanes to an exit that was there last month, but has now vanished.—
Andres Viglucci,
Miami Herald,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Guards will keep an eye on the ocean creature and in the event of aggressive behavior, such as a shark darting at surfers or swimmers, will implement a temporary beach closure.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, and Chace Crawford catapulted to fame playing the scheming social butterflies flitting around Gossip Girl's Upper East Side.—
Rachel DeSantis,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Spring's warmth is settling in across southern Michigan, and hummingbirds will soon be flitting about the state.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
For the event, Jenner went all in on the color scheme, strutting past fellow high-fashion celebrities in a lengthy lavender wig that cascaded past her waist, revealing an icy, ombré finish.—
Chanel Vargas,
InStyle,
2 Apr. 2026
-
But between strutting around like a rock god, Michael presented nuanced and sophisticated looks at lust.—
Jed Gottlieb,
Boston Herald,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
October marks the start of butterfly season, with vibrant swarms fluttering well into the green season.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 Mar. 2026
-
The sudden movement sends the birds fluttering away from you, to watch and wait.—
Addie Citchens,
New Yorker,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
This is where the city stages its daily open-air show — street artists sketching portraits, fortune-tellers shuffling cards and musicians playing for appreciative crowds.—
Lauren Schuster,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Its elegant twill pattern is both durable for rigorous travel and premium-looking for serving looks at the airport, while its interior has an expandable compartment, one mesh pocket, and elastic tie-down straps to keep your belongings from shuffling around.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Maza drew in Hamburg players before flicking the ball on for Kofane, who lashed it into the top-left corner.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 Mar. 2026
-
The name Dekopin in Japanese refers to flicking someone on the forehead with a finger, typically as a lighthearted punishment or joke.—
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Explosions rang out in Tehran and low-flying jets could be heard for hours as the capital was pounded.—
Lucia I Suarez Sang,
CBS News,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Come springtime in the Hamptons, the sight of large flocks of Canada geese, flying in V’s overhead or foraging in fields, brings mixed feelings.—
Emma Allen,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dancing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dancing. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
