FLASHES Synonyms: 231 Similar and Opposite Words

flashes 1 of 2

noun

plural of flash

as in bursts

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in explosions

a sudden intense expression of strong feeling a much-needed flash of humor during the otherwise boring lecture

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as in minutes

a very small space of time the shower will be over in a flash

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as in miracles

something extraordinary or surprising the new goalie for our hockey team was apparently quite a flash in his hometown

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flashes

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of flash

as in gleams

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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as in displays

to present so as to invite notice or attention flashed a wad of cash as he paid for his dinner

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as in twinkles

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

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as in announces

to make known openly or publicly flashed the news of the royal birth around the world

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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

In many cases, males blink about every five seconds while searching for females and females respond with flashes of their own about every two seconds. — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 5 July 2026 Yan Diomande showed flashes of his brilliance that could earn him a big-money move this summer. — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 3 July 2026 There are flashes of promise, like Rhaenyra’s banquet speech and the emergence of Comrade Mysaria, but overall, the performance evaluation isn’t looking great. — The Editors, Vulture, 3 July 2026 Crystal fringe will throw off flashes of cobalt, crimson and amber before disappearing back into shadow. — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 2 July 2026 Yamal, an 18-year-old prodigy, showed flashes of his talent and set up his teammates well en route to winning man of the match honors that more than a few Spanish media members questioned. — Iliana Limón Romero, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 Morel’s career arc had previously included flashes of legitimate middle-order production. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 Swift was originally designed to study a rare type of transient called gamma-ray bursts—seconds-long flashes of gamma-ray light that arise from the most energetic explosions in the universe. — Anna Y. Q. Ho, Scientific American, 29 June 2026 And that has pet owners looking for ways to help their animals get through the loud explosions and bright flashes. — Bill Chappell, NPR, 28 June 2026

Verb

Dent works to instill a culture of swift response anytime a light outside a room door flashes on. — Bruce Finley, Denver Post, 5 July 2026 An officer flashes a peace sign while another tells her to move along. — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 4 July 2026 The nature of the fire determines how long a shelter user stays inside, whether the fire flashes over them or stays put, Montrastelle said. — Jack Dura, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 Mickey Guyton flashes a smile at the SiriusXM Studios on June 29 in New York City. — Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026 Trying to shed ‘nice-guy tendencies’ Jeff Whittington stands in front of the room, flashes a boyish smile, and prepares to be lambasted. — Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 27 June 2026 Why scientists are paying close attention Hydrothermal explosions occur when pressurized hot water trapped underground suddenly flashes into steam. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 24 June 2026 Each nail is coated in pink chrome powder that flashes a beetle-like green in the light. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 23 June 2026 Then Jaimoe pauses, flashes a quick, playful grin, and rolls his right pant leg up to his knee. — David Browne, Rolling Stone, 12 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for flashes

Noun

And the jovial human moments between bursts of grandiose showmanship leave the reassuring impression that Elvis really, truly enjoyed being Elvis.

— Gerrad Hall, Entertainment Weekly, 6 July 2026
The pipes fill unevenly, in bursts, timed to tax law and market peaks rather than to need.

— Gabriel Alin Zainescu, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026

Definition of bursts

Noun

Iranian state media reported explosions in several locations, including Bushehr, home to Iran’s nuclear power plant complex, and southern port cities.

— Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
There have been several explosions in an Iranian coastal province Thursday, following a fresh round of US strikes overnight, according to the semi-official Iranian news agency Mehr.

— Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 9 July 2026

Definition of explosions

Noun

About 45 minutes before another World Cup match in Houston, a message from astronauts aboard the International Space Station noting the holiday was beamed into the stadium.

— Steven Sloan, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
The capital’s traditional Independence Day show had 10,000 shells lasting 18 minutes.

— Bart Jansen, USA Today, 5 July 2026

Definition of minutes

Noun

Syd was always going places, but Richie and Tina — and, of course, the fabulous Fak brothers, Neil (Matty Matheson) and Ted (Ricky Staffieri) — were the miracles of the piece.

— Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026
Alyssa encourages all who wish to welcome children to advocate for themselves, believe in the possibility of miracles, be open to all avenues to parenthood and give themselves grace to feel all of their emotions that come with the journey.

— Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026

Definition of miracles

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

Definition of gleams

Verb

The lethality of the Russian assaults on Kyiv in the last week displays the challenge Ukraine faces in protecting its capital as Russia innovates and steps up its attacks.

— Helen Regan, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
The back of Greg Gates' shirt displays a summary of his stats over his years of running the Peachtree.

— Andre Butso, AJC.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of displays

Verb

On another monitor, a dashboard that resembles the menu screen of a flight simulator flickers to life — only this is no simulation.

— Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2026
But in the final scene, when Sam goes to the bathroom to change the bandage on his forehead, the mirror flickers with static at his reflection.

— Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026

Definition of flickers

Verb

For those determined to wrap an actual object, gifting experts say the trick is to avoid anything that merely announces its own price tag.

— Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 3 July 2026
Continue reading … RADICAL — DeSantis announces plans to use new state law to target dozens of alleged terrorist groups.

— , FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026