flashes 1 of 2

plural of flash
1
2
3
4

flashes

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of flash
1
2
3
as in twinkles
to shine with light at regular intervals the disco lights flashed, and the revelers danced

Synonyms & Similar Words

4

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 flashes
Noun
Lime green piping traced an aubergine silk skirt; flashes of acidic color appeared on necklines and linings. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2026 They were rewarded by Kardashian’s arrival, clad in a formfitting tan midi dress with lace-up grommet detailing, triggering a storm of flashes and handshakes. — Mary Wenthur, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026 In his rookie season under Gregg Popovich, Wemby showed some flashes of being a solid offensive hub, operating in dribble handoffs and even pick-and-rolls. — Jared Weiss, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026 In the rape scene, the live action is intercut with flashes of staged broken glass against black and the words in Tessa’s own head. — Beandrea July, IndieWire, 14 Sep. 2026 There are about 3,500 lightning flashes that reach the ground each day in the state. — Julia Gomez, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026 The resulting detonations will result in explosions, flashes of light and clouds of smoke visible from a distance, the Navy said. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 9 Sep. 2026
Verb
The show then flashes forward to the other women emotionally processing the news of his overdose and coming together at Angie’s to console one another and share memories of Robert. — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026 Walker flashes rare ability for a player his size and within Leonhard’s scheme. — Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026 As Robert Spillane works through a quiet camp, fellow inside linebacker Christian Elliss flashes again and again, this time in coverage during 7-on-7s with a pass breakup. — Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 1 Aug. 2026 Danny Trejo flashes a smile at San Diego’s Comic-Con International on July 25. — Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026 The other flashes forward to the mid-1990s and focuses on a team of FBI agents (including Shailene Woodley and Alexander Ludwig) hunting the elusive Unabomber who get a significant lead in the case connected to Kaczynski’s past. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 29 July 2026 The system, when working, flashes warning signs, alerts law enforcement to respond and displays messages on digital signs to warn drivers on the Turnpike. — Miami Herald, 24 July 2026 Belafonte flashes his famous smile under his famous widow’s peak. — Joshua Jelly-Schapiro, Vanity Fair, 21 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flashes
Noun
  • Movement research has long shown that even brief bursts increase circulation and prompt the release of dopamine and serotonin, which is the neurochemistry behind why a five-minute walk or stretch break shifts mood.
    — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Even short bursts increase circulation, signal safety to the nervous system and prompt the release of dopamine and serotonin.
    — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 22 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • But closer to the surface, the lower water pressure and the high temperatures of volcanic material can cause violent explosions.
    — Yook Ji Hun, ArsTechnica, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Shortly after the explosions at Hiroshima and Nagasaki, media archives show there was a mix of public reassurance, worry, and debate over international nuclear governance.
    — J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 18 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Italian department store La Rinascente is 15-minutes away on foot, and cosmopolitan Monti, with its bars and shops, is a 10-minute walk away.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Thirty minutes later, after a physician examined him, he was pronounced dead and covered with a white sheet.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Since then, southern Italians have attributed all sorts of miracles to his intercession, including extinguishing the volcanic fires of Mount Vesuvius in 1631.
    — Clare Whitton, The Conversation, 17 Sep. 2026
  • A number of cases of possible miracles are under review at the Vatican.
    — Joe Holden, CBS News, 15 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Like Beckham’s dress, the 100-percent silk dress softly gleams in the light.
    — Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 12 Dec. 2025
  • Despite a couple of funky skips, the album is fueled by the hunger of an artist who really wants the pop life again, perking up electro-scuzz and arena rock with new wave that gleams like glitter.
    — Pitchfork, Pitchfork, 4 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • As the videos fly by, Alex’s phone suddenly displays a furious message from her boss.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026
  • By default, Smart CRM displays a table with all the key information about your contacts, including a column for recent updates that HubSpot's AI pulls from contact records.
    — Dianna Gunn, PC Magazine, 18 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Layered background sighs, a resonant lead vocal, autumnal acoustic guitar flickers, synths both eerie and trippy—James has all his tricks on tap.
    — Ryan Leas, Pitchfork, 28 Aug. 2026
  • But Triage does have a moment in which an ember of the old cruel optimism flickers.
    — Charles Finch, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The inflation print comes before the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee announces its latest policy update on Thursday.
    — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Tennis great Roger Federer announces his retirement from pro tennis at 41 with 20 grand slam wins and 103 ATP titles.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Flashes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flashes. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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