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as in burst
a sudden and usually temporary growth of activity
a flash of last-minute trips to the grocery store before the onset of the big snowstorm
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2
as in explosion
a sudden intense expression of strong feeling
a much-needed flash of humor during the otherwise boring lecture
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3
as in second
a very small space of time
the shower will be over in a flash
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4
as in miracle
something extraordinary or surprising
the new goalie for our hockey team was apparently quite a flash in his hometown
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1
as in to gleam
to shoot forth bursts of light
the actress's diamond necklace flashed as she hurried on stage to accept the award
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2
as in to display
to present so as to invite notice or attention
flashed a wad of cash as he paid for his dinner
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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
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Cite this Entry
“Flash.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flash. Accessed 4 Feb. 2023.
More from Merriam-Webster on flash
Nglish: Translation of flash for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of flash for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about flash
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