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

Noel Washington of Sherman Oaks Notre Dame showed flashes of brilliance as a sophomore. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026 Now, the Dolphins need those flashes to become consistent production. — Tyler M. Carmona july 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026 International team-mate Etta Eyong, of Levante, also passes the stats test — another bustling striker with great upper-body strength and flashes of two-footed finishing and neat hold-up play. — Thom Harris, New York Times, 31 July 2026 El-Sayed, who is both fluid and charming, also shows flashes of bravado and hauteur, particularly directed against his opponents. — David Remnick, New Yorker, 31 July 2026 Drafted in the third round (69th overall) last year, Williams showed flashes of big-play potential as a rookie, hauling in 33-, 37- and 72-yard touchdown passes from Maye. — Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 28 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 In the video, Atim speaks over clips of women protesting, and flashes of her portraying Akasha. — Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 24 July 2026

Verb

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 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for flashes

Noun

Solar storms are energy bursts from the sun that can contribute to strong auroral showings, several of which occurred in 2024, when the sun reached the peak of its 11-year solar cycle, marking a 500-year high in auroral activity.

— Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Both of these carry the signatures of creative openings, bursts of genius, and new ideas being generated.

— Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 July 2026

Definition of bursts

Noun

Residents described hearing explosions believed to be blasts from the old shells, authorities said.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
If the gas nozzle became clogged or leaked, pockets of concentrated acetylene could build up and ignite, causing localized explosions.

— Matthew MacConnell, ArsTechnica, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of explosions

Noun

The duration of totality will peak at 6 minutes and 23 seconds near Luxor, the site of ancient Thebes, the pharaohs’ capital, in Egypt.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Bake in preheated oven until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean, about 35 minutes.

— Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 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