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flash

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verb

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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flash

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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
The extent of the damage is not clear, but footage circulating online on Thursday appears to show at least one bright flash and plumes of smoke at the site. Ellie Cook john Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025 At least four people have been killed and others are still missing following torrential rain and flash flooding Thursday morning in San Antonio. David Matthews, New York Daily News, 12 June 2025
Verb
The red lights are back flashing along a notorious prostitution strip in New York City represented by progressive Democratic Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Grace Meng. Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2025 The image of the distraught Inter Milan supporter who flashed up on television screens around the world, as his team prepared to take a meaningless corner in the 76th minute, told the story of the Champions League final. Stuart James, New York Times, 7 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
  • Beyond the playoffs, NBA Draft, and flurry of early-summer free agency moves, the large majority of the NBA calendar plays out on regional sports networks.
    John Cassillo, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
  • Posey sent a message, and that message was received. Led by Johnson, Ramos and plenty of others, the Giants responded to this morning’s flurry of roster moves by erasing a five-run deficit against the San Diego Padres to beat their divisional rival, 6-5.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • Then, just before the neutron star is consumed by the black hole, these waves turn into a powerful blast, emitting a burst of radio waves known as a fast radio burst (FRB).
    Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 5 June 2025
  • Ranch: Smooth, rich and irresistibly savory – our Ranch Snack Wrap delivers a satisfying burst of cool ranch goodness, with hints of garlic and onion.
    Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • Sarandos touted how the streamer has filmed in over 200 cities across Spain, helped support more than 20,000 jobs, The Tres Cantos campus, located about 30 minutes by car north of Madrid, is Netflix’s biggest studio complex in Europe, with 10 soundstages.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 10 June 2025
  • While the original model provided approximately 40 minutes of underwater fun for every 75-minute charge, the latest version extends that time to a full 90 minutes per charge.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2025
Noun
  • The Panthers had their own miracle on ice on Sam Reinhart’s sharp-angle goal from the left that found its way inside the net with 19.5 seconds left in regulation as a crowd ready to file out dejected erupted with sonic joy.
    Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 13 June 2025
  • This biological truth has become my personal miracle.
    Stixx Mathews, Essence, 13 June 2025
Noun
  • Simply, all viewers have to do is look up with the naked eye to take in the spectacular spectacle.
    Skyler Caruso, People.com, 6 June 2025
  • This spectacle on a busy Friday afternoon led a crowd to gather, with some denouncing the show of force and impeding the ICE operation.
    U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • But its sound was always gleaming and well-rounded, the instrumental balance impeccable all evening.
    Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2025
  • Photo : Become Legendary The primary bathroom is wrapped in gleaming turquoise-colored tile.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • Since its purchase, the guitar has been displayed at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney, raising awareness of the challenges faced by creative professionals, particularly in the wake of global disruptions to the arts sector.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
  • Although each of their first-rounders this decade now has made the majors, to this point only Neto has displayed star potential.
    Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025
Verb
  • From dazzling diamond collars set with emeralds to circular blue titanium earrings twinkling with diamonds to flexible ceramic and diamond bracelets, Benoi offered a glamorous range of refined, red carpet-worthy jewels.
    Kyle Roderick, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Ayer's clip featured a mesmerizing pan of Earth from space, twinkling with lights and colors that perfectly contrasted the dark surroundings in the galaxy.
    Skyler Caruso, People.com, 27 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Flash.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flash. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.

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