flash 1 of 3

1
2
3
4
5

flash

2 of 3

verb

1
2
3
as in to twinkle
to shine with light at regular intervals the disco lights flashed, and the revelers danced

Synonyms & Similar Words

4

flash

3 of 3

adjective

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb flash contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of flash are gleam, glimmer, glint, glisten, glitter, shimmer, and sparkle. While all these words mean "to send forth light," flash implies a sudden outburst of bright light.

lightning flashed

When is it sensible to use gleam instead of flash?

Although the words gleam and flash have much in common, gleam suggests a steady light seen through an obscuring medium or against a dark background.

lights gleamed in the valley

When could glimmer be used to replace flash?

The words glimmer and flash are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, glimmer suggests a faint or wavering gleam.

a distant glimmering light

Where would glint be a reasonable alternative to flash?

While in some cases nearly identical to flash, glint implies a cold glancing light.

glinting steel

When would glisten be a good substitute for flash?

While the synonyms glisten and flash are close in meaning, glisten applies to the soft sparkle from a wet or oily surface.

glistening wet sidewalk

In what contexts can glitter take the place of flash?

The synonyms glitter and flash are sometimes interchangeable, but glitter connotes a brilliant sparkling or gleaming.

glittering diamonds

When can shimmer be used instead of flash?

The words shimmer and flash can be used in similar contexts, but shimmer means shining with a wavering light.

a shimmering satin dress

When might sparkle be a better fit than flash?

The meanings of sparkle and flash largely overlap; however, sparkle suggests innumerable moving points of bright light.

the sparkling waters

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 flash
Noun
Brown has shown flashes of brilliance while also having the type of rough starts that cost the team the game and put a strain on the bullpen. Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 22 June 2025 Yet only a handful of the toys were in stock this week, when a flash sale of two of the company’s most popular Labubus sold out rapidly. Annette Choi, CNN Money, 21 June 2025
Verb
Rays pitcher Hunter Bigge taken off field on stretcher after being hit by foul ball MLB Draft Combine: Kayson Cunningham eager to compete; Bruin Agbayani flashes speed, hitting Tyler Kepner is a Senior Writer for The Athletic covering MLB. Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 20 June 2025 The sirens were flashing, and a man dressed like a police officer was at the door, court documents said. Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 18 June 2025
Adjective
Don’t let the lack of flash fool you — this guy is the real deal. Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2025 The German figures come a day before the scheduled release of flash inflation data for the euro area, which will be closely watched by investors for guidance on the odds of another interest rate cut from the European Central Bank. Sophie Kiderlin, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for flash
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flash
Noun
  • Then, in early May, came a flurry of warnings — emails from spoofed Coinbase.com addresses, suspicious activity alerts, and a barrage of phone calls.
    Jennifer Jolly, USA Today, 18 June 2025
  • In the third period with game seemingly out of reach and in desperate need of a flurry of foals, Edmonton made a strategic decision to pull its goalie with more than six minutes remaining in the game.
    Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • Pride Month tends to arrive in a confetti burst of color.
    Sophia Bush, Time, 20 June 2025
  • In a burst of architectural brilliance, a pair of striking glass hallways connect the two wings of the main house, one spotlighting views of a cascading creek and the other lush landscaping.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • Cynthia, seeing Carmen and Julius bleeding, sped to the hospital, one minute away, but Carmen was pronounced dead on arrival.
    Sally Ventura June 23, Literary Hub, 23 June 2025
  • The walk takes about 45 minutes to an hour to complete.
    Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • On Jewish holidays, the Hallel prayer is recited in Shul as a psalm of praise and thanksgiving and collective expression of gratitude for GDs miracles.
    Rafael James, Sun Sentinel, 24 June 2025
  • Don’t just pray for a miracle, but be realistic and find the right plan.
    Kyle Thomas, People.com, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • San Francisco’s newest dining series, The Radiant Table, is introducing a more elevated take on immersive dining—one that centers chefs and cuisine rather than spectacle.
    Chelsea Davis, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
  • Gliding through these vibrant waterways reveals a colorful spectacle, particularly at sunrise, when the market is most active with locals.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • The gleaming family-style kitchen that's both welcoming and chic.
    Elizabeth Hutchison Hicklin, Southern Living, 24 June 2025
  • Ranging from $45 to $55, the eight art prints in the capsule feature pre-framed designs that gleam with silver and gold foil detailing.
    Kelly Dawson, Architectural Digest, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • The Meta logo is displayed during the Viva Technology show at Parc des Expositions Porte de Versailles on May 22, 2024 in Paris, France.
    Kate Knibbs, Wired News, 25 June 2025
  • The bakery case displays the day’s dessert specials.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • The rooftop crowd enjoys views of Denver’s skyline and Larimer Square, which charms with its signature hammock of twinkling lights draped over the block.
    Brittany Anas, Denver Post, 23 June 2025
  • Soon her eyes were twinkling as her planes danced and arced across the sky.
    Michael Monson, Christian Science Monitor, 21 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Flash.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flash. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on flash

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!