All Definitions for Flash
Below are all the dictionary definitions of flash:
1To cause to shine briefly or intermittently.
2To blink
3To shine or illuminate intermittently.
4To be visible briefly.
5To make visible briefly.
6To expose one's intimate body part or undergarment, often momentarily and unintentionally. (Contrast streak.)
7To break forth like a sudden flood of light
8To show a momentary brilliance.
9To flaunt
10To display in a showy manner.
11To communicate quickly.
12To move, or cause to move, suddenly.
13To telephone a person, only allowing the phone to ring once, in order to request a call back.
14To evaporate suddenly. (See flash evaporation.)
15To climb (a route) successfully on the first attempt.
16To write to the memory of (an updatable component such as a BIOS chip or games cartridge).
17To cover with a thin layer, as objects of glass with glass of a different colour.
18To expand (blown glass) into a disc.
19To send by some startling or sudden means.
20To burst out into violence.
21To perform a flash.
22To release the pressure from a pressurized vessel.
23To flash back.
24A sudden, short, temporary burst of light.
25A very short amount of time.
26A flashlight
27An electric torch.
28A sudden and brilliant burst, as of genius or wit.
29Pizzazz, razzle-dazzle.
30Material left around the edge of a moulded part at the parting line of the mould.
31The strips of bright cloth or buttons worn around the collars of market traders.
32A pattern where each prop is thrown and caught only once.
33A language, created by a minority to maintain cultural identity, that cannot be understood by the ruling class.
34A form of military insignia.
35Any of various lycaenid butterflies of the genera Artipe, Deudorix and Rapala.
36A tattoo flash (example design on paper to give an idea of a possible tattoo).
37The sudden sensation of being "high" after taking a recreational drug.
38Synonym of flashback (“recurrence of the effects of a hallucinogenic drug”).
39A newsflash.
40A brief exposure or making visible (of a smile, badge, etc).
41The (intentional or unintentional) exposure of an intimate body part or undergarment in public.
42Expensive-looking and demanding attention
43Stylish
44Showy.
45Having plenty of ready money.
46Liable to show off expensive possessions or money.
47Occurring very rapidly, almost instantaneously.
48A pool of water, in some areas especially one that is marshy, and/or one formed by subsidence of the ground due to mining. (Compare flush (“marsh
49Pool”).)
50A reservoir and sluiceway beside a navigable stream, just above a shoal, so that the stream may pour in water as boats pass, and thus bear them over the shoal.
51To trick up in a showy manner.
52To strike and throw up large bodies of water from the surface
53To splash.
54A preparation of capsicum, burnt sugar, etc., for colouring liquor to make it look stronger.
55Relating to thieves and vagabonds.
56Any of various DC Comics superheroes who have the power of superspeed, derived from an energy called the Speed Force.
57A multimedia platform, most often used for adding animation and interactivity to webpages.
58Clipping of camera flash (“a device used to produce a flash of artificial light to help illuminate a scene”). [(photography) A device that produces a short flash of light to help illuminate a scene, mostly for night-time or indoors photography, to make the picture brighter.]
59Clipping of flash memory. [(computer hardware) A rewritable memory chip that retains its data without a power supply.]
60Ellipsis of hook flash. [(telecommunications) A signal that briefly disconnects the local loop circuit by means of the hookswitch or a dedicated button, used to control functions on the public telephone exchange.]
About synonyms for flash
Finding the right synonym for flash helps writers avoid repetition and add precision to their work. Defined as "To cause to shine briefly or intermittently.", flash has 8 alternatives that can fit different contexts and tones.
Each synonym carries a slightly different shade of meaning. Flashgun is the most direct replacement in most situations. Flashbulb works well in formal or professional contexts. Photoflash is often preferred when the context calls for a more specific or nuanced expression.
When choosing a synonym, consider the connotation, formality level, and audience. Some alternatives work better in casual conversation while others shine in academic or professional writing. For example, using a more formal synonym in a business email can elevate your tone, while a casual synonym might feel more natural in creative writing or dialogue.
It is also worth noting that not all synonyms are perfectly interchangeable. The context of your sentence, the surrounding words, and the intended emotional impact all play a role in selecting the best alternative. The list above provides the most common and useful replacements for flash, but always read your sentence aloud to ensure the chosen word flows naturally.