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

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

With concerns at cornerback and on the edge to start the season, Van Ness can ease the worries of fans and perhaps even the team by turning those flashes into consistent production with the team’s best player sidelined. — Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 27 July 2026 Meanwhile, the Brunson couple walked right through the front door, as camera flashes lit up the area right away. — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 27 July 2026 But for a team in need of pitching, Whisenhunt showed flashes of being a member of this team’s rotation. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 27 July 2026 The shots are busy with equipment—boom mikes, bulb-flashes, wires and cables dripping like innards or snakes, the hungry Cyclopean eye of a mounted camera. — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 24 July 2026 In the video, Atim speaks over clips of women protesting, and flashes of her portraying Akasha. — Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 24 July 2026 The aunt put her hands on my shoulders for a few flashes of the camera. — Literary Hub, 23 July 2026 Silver chrome cutouts reveal flashes of bright blue cat-eye, giving an edgy, almost rugged effect. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 22 July 2026 According to court filings, Schmidt has a record of showing flashes of anger. — Gabe White, Arkansas Online, 21 July 2026

Verb

Belafonte flashes his famous smile under his famous widow’s peak. — Joshua Jelly-Schapiro, Vanity Fair, 21 July 2026 Billy Bob Thornton flashes a smile during a performance at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on July 19. — Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026 Donaldson, the rookie from UM, flashes creativity and anticipatory skills as a passer. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026 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 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for flashes

Noun

Adding short bursts of intensity to your walks can improve your cardiovascular fitness without overhauling your routine.

— Jenessa Connor, Health, 21 July 2026
Blue raspberry popping boba pearls add colorful bursts of sweet-tart flavor.

— Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 21 July 2026

Definition of bursts

Noun

Air defenses were activated in the Iranian capital, Tehran, and explosions were reported in several Iranian cities, according to state media.

— Arpita Dasika, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
Down the hall, just a few seconds later, a different woman gave birth to a little girl named Yasmina, whose cries could hardly be heard over the sound of the explosions around her.

— David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 22 July 2026

Definition of explosions

Noun

For a relatively small fee, someone meets you at the aircraft, carries your bags, escorts you through customs in just a few minutes, helps collect your luggage, and takes you directly to your transportation.

— Doug Gollan, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Mora erased a 1-0 deficit with goals in the 56th and 67th minutes, giving him 48 in 145 regular-season appearances — third most in club history.

— ABC News, ABC News, 26 July 2026

Definition of minutes

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

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

Unlike liquid liner that announces exactly where the line begins and ends, kohl and kajal create dimension that feels more diffused.

— Marci Robin, Allure, 24 July 2026
An Emily Henry novel announces warmth, wit, emotional accessibility, and optimism through bright palettes, graphic illustration, and playful typography.

— Madelyn Johnson, Literary Hub, 24 July 2026