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flash

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verb

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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flash

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adjective

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb flash contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of flash are gleam, glimmer, glint, glisten, glitter, shimmer, and sparkle. While all these words mean "to send forth light," flash implies a sudden outburst of bright light.

lightning flashed

When is it sensible to use gleam instead of flash?

Although the words gleam and flash have much in common, gleam suggests a steady light seen through an obscuring medium or against a dark background.

lights gleamed in the valley

When could glimmer be used to replace flash?

The words glimmer and flash are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, glimmer suggests a faint or wavering gleam.

a distant glimmering light

Where would glint be a reasonable alternative to flash?

While in some cases nearly identical to flash, glint implies a cold glancing light.

glinting steel

When would glisten be a good substitute for flash?

While the synonyms glisten and flash are close in meaning, glisten applies to the soft sparkle from a wet or oily surface.

glistening wet sidewalk

In what contexts can glitter take the place of flash?

The synonyms glitter and flash are sometimes interchangeable, but glitter connotes a brilliant sparkling or gleaming.

glittering diamonds

When can shimmer be used instead of flash?

The words shimmer and flash can be used in similar contexts, but shimmer means shining with a wavering light.

a shimmering satin dress

When might sparkle be a better fit than flash?

The meanings of sparkle and flash largely overlap; however, sparkle suggests innumerable moving points of bright light.

the sparkling waters

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 flash
Noun
Heavy storms could trigger flash flooding across parts of the Southwest, Rockies and Nevada, especially over wildfire burn scars and flood-prone canyon or valley areas. Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 18 July 2025 Residents are urged to take precautions as further flash flooding is possible. Hannah Parry amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
Verb
Updating signal equipment and adding a pedestrian flashing beacon. Ashley Fredde, Idaho Statesman, 11 July 2025 Julie then said something about the mastermind's lair exploding, and, before commercial break, the show naturally flashed a fake shot of a lair exploding out in the wilderness. David Wysong, The Enquirer, 11 July 2025
Adjective
Don’t let the lack of flash fool you — this guy is the real deal. Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2025 The German figures come a day before the scheduled release of flash inflation data for the euro area, which will be closely watched by investors for guidance on the odds of another interest rate cut from the European Central Bank. Sophie Kiderlin, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for flash
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flash
Noun
  • This move could be the first of a flurry after Arizona was swept by Houston earlier this week.
    Zack Meisel, New York Times, 25 July 2025
  • That area has seen a flurry of property sales since Mayor Joe Hogsett announced his intentions to build a professional league stadium at what is now the downtown Indianapolis heliport, but some of the Simon property purchases predate the mayor's public announcement.
    Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • The galaxy can be seen undergoing a burst of star formation thanks to the tidal influence of a galactic neighbor, with the glowing red form of an emission nebula visible throughout, giving the impression of a cosmic firework display.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 13 July 2025
  • This act of formality did not prevent an easy atmosphere from developing in our classrooms; there were frequent bursts of laughter.
    Brooke Allen, New Yorker, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • Follow that with a dip in the sea at Lia beach—a four minute walk away—or book a pottery class through one of the hotel’s artisan partners.
    Monica Mendal, Vogue, 15 July 2025
  • You’re asked to meet with senior leadership for the very first time—in five minutes.
    Michele Moreno, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • But that might require a minor calcio miracle, with Laurienté reportedly travelling to Portugal to undergo his medical for the Black Cats.
    David Ferrini, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
  • The third step would be for a pope to recognize as valid a second miracle.
    Maya Bell, jsonline.com, 18 July 2025
Noun
  • Set pieces are teased with just enough spectacle – exploding cars, balletic fight sequences, and globe-trotting vistas – to assure fans that the sequel is raising the stakes.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 July 2025
  • But Brown never wanted the deeper emotions of his music and the underlying story of his own personal triumphs and tragedies get lost in the spectacle.
    Scott Huver, People.com, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • Her white shirt would gleam like chrome under the metallic lights.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 July 2025
  • The cars are dotted around in a kaleidoscope of colors, a stark contrast to the gleaming white factory floor.
    Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • The artworks and photos are displayed alongside historical items, archival images, video reenactments of the Raid, and multimedia testimonials by descendants of the enslaved people who liberated themselves.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
  • If a face is displayed to millions of people at once, chances are someone will recognize it.
    Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025
Verb
  • The 'Ghost Bush' open star cluster is also visible to the upper right of the Fireworks galaxy, twinkling with the light of countless gravitationally bound stellar bodies.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 16 July 2025
  • After dinner, guests can gather around the crackling fire and enjoy time under the twinkling stars.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Flash.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flash. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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