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

According to court filings, Schmidt has a record of showing flashes of anger. — Gabe White, Arkansas Online, 21 July 2026 There are still flashes of the version of Sheehan the Dodgers expected. — Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 21 July 2026 The undulating synth lead seems tailored to mimic the tone and timbre of a classical Indian singer, a comparison borne out by the occasional flashes of vocal sample peeking through the mix. — Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 18 July 2026 Miss Universe Cuba hosted a night of feathers, fantasy, queen sashes, camera flashes and fashion on Monday at the Miami Theater in Medley. — Sarah Moreno july 17, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026 Anyone who notices flashes, new floaters or a shadow in their vision should seek urgent eye care. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2026 The nurturing Moon in your 12th House of Solitude conjoins sudden Uranus there, so flashes of insight may surface in dreams, meditation, or a quiet shower. — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 11 July 2026 Despite flashes of effectiveness at Triple-A, the Yankees have decided to move on from a hard-throwing reliever Dylan Coleman, as command issues ultimately proved too difficult to overcome. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 The story wrestles with how to recognize flashes of Criterion’s former self in what its become. — Adam Ismail, The Drive, 8 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

Fedorov’s removal came as Russian missiles struck Kyiv early Thursday, with loud explosions heard in the Ukrainian capital just hours before British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was set to arrive.

— Tim Lister, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
And most often these fires, explosions and leaks happen in working-class neighborhoods.

— Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026

Definition of explosions

Noun

Johannes scored all 12 of her points in the first quarter and played 18 minutes.

— James Boyd, New York Times, 19 July 2026
Excluding the journey to Qatar, the flight that took the longest lasted 344 minutes and went from Miami to Seattle, where Infantino attended the Belgium-Egypt match on June 15.

— ABC News, ABC News, 19 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

Her face displays the trademark unibrow and faint mustache — a gender-bending look that, scholars say, reflects Kahlo’s defiant repudiation of the classic female aesthetic.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026
Doing so normally triggers a search bar that displays recent searches on one side and a bunch of other unrelated windows, including top apps, image of the day, and quote of the day.

— Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 13 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

The final list of eligible vehicles won’t be known until California announces the participating companies.

— Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 14 July 2026
Meanwhile, Sacramento launches curbside garbage inspections, and a beloved Oak Park ice cream shop announces its closing.

— Ruyuan Li. Summary produced by AI assistance, Sacbee.com, 13 July 2026