dashes
/ˈdæʃɪz/
NOUN
1. Punctuation marks
Horizontal punctuation marks of different lengths, including the figure dash, en dash, and em dash.
1.1. Horizontal punctuation marks
Horizontal lines used in writing to indicate pauses, interruptions, ranges, or connections between words and numbers.
Synonyms
- horizontal bars
- em dashes
- en dashes
- figure dashes
Examples
- The editor replaced several hyphens with dashes to improve the punctuation.
- The writer used long dashes to set off additional information.
Related Words
- hyphens
- punctuation marks
- parentheses
- commas
- colons
1.2. Morse code marks
The longer signals in Morse code, represented by horizontal marks and distinguished from shorter dots.
Synonyms
- Morse dashes
- long signals
- long marks
Antonyms
- dots
- short signals
Examples
- The operator carefully transmitted the dashes in the Morse code message.
- The student practiced distinguishing the dashes from the dots.
Related Words
- Morse code
- dots
- signals
- telegraphy
NOUN
2. Short runs or quick movements
Brief periods of rapid running, movement, or travel over a short distance.
2.1. Brief bursts of rapid movement
Short, quick movements made by running or moving rapidly from one place to another.
Synonyms
- sprints
- runs
- races
- rushes
- bursts
Antonyms
Examples
- The runner made several quick dashes toward the finish line.
- The horse performed short dashes around the track.
Related Words
NOUN
3. Sudden or forceful actions
Rapid, forceful movements or attacks directed toward a person, object, or target.
3.1. Sudden rushing movements
Forceful or sudden advances toward a target, often involving speed, momentum, or aggression.
Synonyms
- charges
- rushes
- lunges
- surges
- onsets
Examples
- The soldiers made several sudden dashes toward the enemy position.
- The animal's rapid dashes startled everyone nearby.
Related Words
3.2. Forceful strikes or blows
Violent physical impacts or blows delivered against someone or something.
Synonyms
- blows
- whacks
- strikes
- hits
- smacks
Examples
- The boxer delivered several powerful dashes against his opponent.
- The repeated dashes against the wooden door left visible marks.
Related Words
- punches
- thumps
- thwacks
- impacts
NOUN
4. Small quantities of liquid or other substances
Small amounts of a substance, especially liquid, added to something in limited quantities.
4.1. Small amounts added to food or drinks
Small quantities of liquid or seasoning added to a mixture to adjust its flavor, consistency, or composition.
Synonyms
- drops
- splashes
- dabs
- pinches
- sprinkles
- drams
Examples
- She added a few dashes of salt to the soup.
- The bartender added two dashes of bitters to the cocktail.
Related Words
- portions
- quantities
- measures
- smidgens
- driblets
4.2. Slight admixtures or additions
Small supplementary amounts of another substance or ingredient mixed into a larger quantity.
Synonyms
- admixtures
- additions
- sprinkles
- touches
- traces
Examples
- The recipe calls for small dashes of spice to enhance the flavor.
- The artist added dashes of contrasting color to the painting.
Related Words
- mixtures
- ingredients
- blends
- combinations
NOUN
5. Energy and enthusiasm
Displays of lively energy, vigor, or spirited activity.
5.1. Ostentatious vigor or spirited energy
Noticeable displays of energy, enthusiasm, confidence, or lively personal style.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- lethargy
- listlessness
- apathy
- inertia
Examples
- The performers brought dashes of energy and flair to the show.
- Her presentation was full of confidence and dashes of theatrical vigor.
Related Words
- enthusiasm
- dynamism
- exuberance
- spiritedness
NOUN
6. Vehicle dashboards
Panels in vehicles that contain instruments and controls in front of the driver.
6.1. Vehicle instrument panels
The panels in front of a vehicle's driver that display information and provide access to vehicle controls.
Synonyms
- dashboards
- instrument panels
Examples
- The mechanics inspected the dashboards of the vintage cars.
- The vehicles had wooden dashes with traditional instrument panels.
Related Words
- instrument clusters
- control panels
- gauges
- speedometers
NOUN
7. Bribes or gratuities
Informal payments, gifts, or rewards given as an inducement or acknowledgment, particularly in Liberian usage.
7.1. Informal payments or gifts
Money or gifts given to someone as a bribe, gratuity, or unofficial payment.
Synonyms
Examples
- The official was accused of accepting dashes in exchange for special treatment.
- The investigation examined whether the payments were legitimate gratuities or illegal dashes.
Related Words
NOUN
8. Euphemistic substitutes for censored words
Words or expressions used as substitutes for profane or offensive terms.
8.1. Substitutes for swear words
Mild or indirect expressions used in place of words considered vulgar, offensive, or inappropriate.
Synonyms
- euphemisms
- substitutes
- expletives
Examples
- The writer used dashes instead of explicit swear words in the dialogue.
- The comedian replaced several offensive expressions with harmless dashes.
Related Words
- profanity
- swear words
- censored words
- mild oaths
VERB
9. Moving or running quickly
To run rapidly or move with great speed, usually over a short distance.
9.1. Running rapidly
Moving quickly on foot, often in a sudden burst of speed or over a short distance.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- She dashes across the street to catch the bus.
- The dog dashes through the park chasing a squirrel.
Related Words
9.2. Leaving or departing quickly
Going away or departing from a place in a hurry, often to reach another destination.
Synonyms
- leaves
- departs
- hurries off
- makes tracks
- beats it
- steps out
Antonyms
- lingers
- loiters
- tarries
- stays
Examples
- He dashes out of the office as soon as the meeting ends.
- She dashes home to prepare for the evening event.
Related Words
- exits
- withdraws
- escapes
- rushes
VERB
10. Striking or throwing forcefully
To hit something violently or throw an object with great force.
10.1. Hitting or crashing against something
Striking an object or surface with force, often causing damage or a sudden impact.
Synonyms
- strikes
- hits
- smashes
- slams
- rams
- crashes
Examples
- The waves dash against the rocks during the storm.
- The vehicle dashes into the barrier after losing control.
Related Words
10.2. Throwing or hurling forcefully
Propelling an object through the air or against a surface with considerable force.
Synonyms
Examples
- The angry player dashes the ball against the ground.
- The storm dashes branches against the windows.
Related Words
VERB
11. Sprinkling or splattering
To scatter or spread small amounts of liquid or another substance over a surface.
11.1. Scattering liquid over a surface
Applying or spreading liquid in scattered drops, splashes, or small quantities.
Synonyms
- splashes
- spatters
- splatters
- sprinkles
- sprays
- bespatters
- plashes
Examples
- The chef dashes sauce across the plate before serving the dish.
- The passing car dashes muddy water onto the sidewalk.
Related Words
- douses
- drenches
- soaks
- saturates
VERB
12. Mixing or adulterating a substance
To alter a substance by adding another ingredient, often reducing its quality or purity.
12.1. Adulterating or diluting a mixture
Adding another substance to a mixture in order to change its composition, sometimes by introducing an inferior ingredient.
Synonyms
- adulterates
- dilutes
- contaminates
- taints
- impregnates
Antonyms
- purifies
- refines
Examples
- The manufacturer dashes the mixture with cheaper ingredients.
- The supplier dashes the product with an inferior substance.
Related Words
- mixes
- blends
- combines
- modifies
VERB
13. Ruining hopes or plans
To destroy or frustrate someone's hopes, dreams, expectations, or plans.
13.1. Destroying hopes or ambitions
Causing someone's hopes, dreams, or expectations to fail or become impossible to achieve.
Synonyms
- destroys
- ruins
- shatters
- crushes
- undoes
- wrecks
Antonyms
- encourages
- inspires
- heartens
- buoys
Examples
- The unexpected cancellation dashes their hopes of attending the concert.
- A serious injury dashes his dreams of becoming a professional athlete.
Related Words
- frustrates
- undermines
- defeats
- disappoints
13.2. Disheartening or saddening someone
Causing someone to feel discouraged, disappointed, distressed, or emotionally upset.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- cheers
- comforts
- consoles
- encourages
- uplifts
- reassures
Examples
- The disappointing result dashes the team's confidence.
- The harsh criticism dashes her enthusiasm for the project.
Related Words
- distresses
- upsets
- disappoints
- troubles
VERB
14. Completing or writing something hastily
To do, write, or finish something quickly, often with little time or attention to detail.
14.1. Writing or completing something quickly
Producing or finishing a piece of writing or a task in a short time, often without careful preparation.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- deliberates
- lingers
- takes time
Examples
- She dashes off a quick email before leaving the office.
- He dashes down a few notes during the lecture.
Related Words
- drafts
- composes
- writes
- finishes
VERB
15. Drawing or jotting quickly
To make quick marks, sketches, or brief written notes.
15.1. Making quick written or drawn marks
Producing brief lines, sketches, or notes rapidly without detailed attention.
Synonyms
Examples
- The artist dashes a few lines onto the paper to outline the figure.
- She dashes a reminder into her notebook before the idea slips away.