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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Relevance

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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

Despite flashes of promise from some of the club’s young talent, victories have been difficult to come by, leaving fans searching for reasons to remain optimistic about the future and questioning the competence of rookie manager Tony Vitello. —

Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026 Zach Collins also has showed flashes of ability but has struggled to stay healthy. —

Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2026 Land, a new novel by the Hamnet author Maggie O’Farrell, showcases her genius for infusing painful stories with flashes of pure bliss, Hillary Kelly writes. —

Will Gottsegen, The Atlantic, 6 June 2026 At centre-forward, Hugo Ekitike was devastating on the counter for Eintracht Frankfurt, and showed flashes of his ability to impact the game at speed at Liverpool before a disastrous Achilles injury derailed his season and will keep him out until well into next term. —

Thom Harris, New York Times, 5 June 2026 Something inscrutable flashes behind those keen hazel eyes. —

Shyla Watson, PEOPLE, 5 June 2026 JuJu Brents, the long 6-foot-3 cornerback who showed flashes in limited opportunities last season before going down with a foot/ankle injury, could be primed to make that leap once expected of him as a former second-round pick of the Indianapolis Colts in 2023. —

David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 5 June 2026 The entryway is grand and gilded, the staff deferential and efficient (and always greeting you by name), but flashes of modern style and edgy attitude save the place from seeming staid. —

Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026 There have been flashes, but the offense needs Pasquantino and Perez to play up to expectations day in and day out. —

Jaylon Thompson may 30, Kansas City Star, 30 May 2026

Verb

Sarah Pidgeon flashes a sweet smile at the opening night of the new musical Girl, Interrupted on June 4 in New York City. —

People Staff, PEOPLE, 8 June 2026 The front of the doorbell holds the call button, an LED ring that flashes blue when the button is pressed or white during a firmware update, an ambient light sensor, two infrared LEDs, and a microphone. —

John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 2 June 2026 Sensing something is definitely amiss with Duncan, Carl flashes a satisfied smile. —

Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 1 June 2026 In the same photo used year after year, Galizia wears a clerical collar and flashes an enigmatic smile worthy of the Mona Lisa against the granite wall of a church in his native Palermo. —

ABC News, 20 May 2026 The device turns its head from side to side, flashes red LED eyes, while its tail is equipped with blue LEDs. —

CBS News, 13 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for flashes

Noun

The device does not try to impress in short bursts.

— William Jones, USA Today, 3 June 2026
Most radio-producing objects release bursts that last for mere seconds or less, but long-period radio transients, about a dozen of which are known, produce radio waves in bursts lasting from minutes to over an hour.

— Keith Cooper, Space.com, 2 June 2026