flash 1 of 3

1
2
3
4
5

flash

2 of 3

verb

1
2
3
as in to twinkle
to shine with light at regular intervals the disco lights flashed, and the revelers danced

Synonyms & Similar Words

4

flash

3 of 3

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
The findings presented in the new study are based on observations of a single storm on July 30, 2022, that produced over 300 lightning flashes. Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 31 Mar. 2025 Since whale sharks have shown sensitivity to bubbles due to scuba diving, physical contact and flash photography, Western Australia is leading by example and enforcing strict regulations such as restricting these activities. Emese MacZko, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
These come in warm white, creating a welcoming and cozy vibe, as well as eight light modes, ranging from flashing and slow fade to normal. Emily Weaver, People.com, 29 Mar. 2025 The officer, with his patrol car’s lights flashing, asked me to step away from the vehicle and wrote me a ticket for running a red light. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 27 Mar. 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
  • Investors are also expecting a flurry of economic data this week.
    Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Most solar cycles have two peaks, so astronomers expect a flurry of sunspots in the sun's northern hemisphere.
    Jamie Carter, Space.com, 24 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Wear it all day for bursts of inviting florals, energizing citrus and sultry white musks.
    Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • The Gators responded with six consecutive points before Maryland embarked on a 6-2 burst for a 36-35 lead.
    Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The scientists observed the sharktopus — the unofficial nickname for the peculiar duo — for 10 minutes.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • The participants then chewed each type of gum for four minutes—and some for an extra 20 minutes—while researchers collected saliva samples at various points.
    Julia Ries, Health, 1 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Don’t let the Shrek coloring fool you, this easy old-school recipe is proof of the magic of instant pudding and the miracle of boxed cake mix doctored up to taste a little better and more like homemade.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Through vivid imagination, the boy walks alongside Jesus, witnessing His miracles, facing His trials, and understanding His ultimate sacrifice.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • But not every serpent spectacle comes with a picnic table and a selfie spot.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • The awe-inspiring spectacle is a rarity – and will become even more so in the years ahead.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The fragrance’s golden bottle gleamed at the center of the activation.
    Evan Burke, Billboard, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Read expert advice to keep your furniture gleaming.
    Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 16 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Asia Asian stocks have displayed a mixed performance throughout Wednesday's trading session.
    Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
  • The new portable console features a 7.9 inch LCD screen that displays in 1080p.
    CBS News, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Turn your porch into a calming oasis with twinkling fairy lights, or upgrade your front yard with in-ground pathway lighting or solar sconces.
    Emily Weaver, People.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • The wall is programmable and lights up with twinkling star effects, colors and strobes.
    Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Flash.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flash. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on flash

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!