Dash vs. Smash: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on September 28, 2023
Dash refers to a quick movement or a small amount of something, while Smash denotes forcefully breaking something into pieces.
Key Differences
Dash and Smash are two distinct words with different applications and meanings. Dash can be seen as a swift movement, often conveying urgency, like someone dashing through the rain.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
On the other hand, Smash evokes the image of force and impact. When an object smashes, it usually breaks or shatters upon hitting another object or surface.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
A dash, apart from indicating speed, can also mean a small quantity, like a dash of salt. The word can also be used in contexts like punctuation, notably the dash symbol used in writing.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Conversely, Smash can be used to describe successes or hits, especially in entertainment. A movie can be a "box office smash" if it's particularly popular and successful.
Janet White
Sep 28, 2023
In essence, while both words imply some form of action, Dash tends to emphasize swiftness and minor addition, whereas Smash emphasizes force and impact, sometimes even success.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 28, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A quick movement or a minor amount
Forcefully breaking something into pieces or a great success
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Usage
Describing speed, small quantities, or punctuation
Describing force, impact, or success
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Contextual Application
Often linked with haste and minor addition
Associated with force, destruction, or achievement
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
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Dash and Smash Definitions
Dash
A symbol used in punctuation.
Use a dash to indicate a pause in the sentence.
Harlon Moss
Sep 28, 2023
Smash
To defeat or overpower completely.
The champion smashed his rivals in the competition.
Sara Rehman
Sep 28, 2023
Smash
To break (something) into pieces suddenly, noisily, and violently; shatter.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
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Smash
To render (something) into a mush or pulp, as by throwing or crushing
Smashed the tomatoes against the wall.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Dash
To break or smash by striking violently
The ship was dashed upon the rocks.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Smash
To strike with a heavy blow or impact
The boxer smashed his opponent in the ribs. The bulldozer smashed down the barricade.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Dash
To hurl, knock, or thrust with sudden violence
Dashed the cup against the wall.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Smash
(Sports) To hit (a ball, puck, or shuttlecock) in a forceful overhand stroke.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Smash
To cause to come into forceful contact with something
Stood up and smashed his head against the cabinet door.
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Dec 23, 2022
Smash
To surpass or outdo by a large margin
Smashed the record for goals in a season.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Smash
To move and strike or collide suddenly, noisily, and violently
The car smashed into a tree.
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Dec 23, 2022
Smash
To break suddenly into pieces, as from a violent blow or collision
The dish smashed when it hit the floor.
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Dec 23, 2022
Dash
To affect by adding another element or ingredient to
Ice cream that was dashed with rum.
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Dec 23, 2022
Smash
(Sports) To hit a ball, puck, or shuttlecock in a forceful overhand stroke.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Dash
To discourage or dispirit
"This discouraging information a little dashed the child" (Charles Dickens).
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Dash
A swift, violent blow or stroke
Knocked the books to the floor with an impatient dash of his hand.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Smash
A violent breaking of something or the noise made by such breaking
There was a loud smash in the kitchen as the dishes fell off the shelf.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Smash
A drink made of mint, sugar, soda water, and alcoholic liquor, usually brandy.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Dash
(Sports) A footrace, usually less than a quarter-mile long, run at top speed from the outset.
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Dec 23, 2022
Dash
Either of two symbols, an emdash or an endash, used in writing and in printing.
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Dec 23, 2022
Dash
In Morse and similar codes, the long sound or signal used in combination with the dot and silent intervals to represent letters or numbers.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Smash
The sound of a violent impact; a violent striking together.
I could hear the screech of the brakes, then the horrible smash of cars colliding.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Smash
A traffic collision.
The driver and two passengers were badly injured in the smash.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Dash
(typography) Any of the following symbols: ‒ (figure dash), – (en dash), — (em dash), or ― (horizontal bar).
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Smash
(colloquial) Something very successful or popular (as music, food, fashion, etc).
This new show is sure to be a smash.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Smash
(tennis) A very hard overhead shot hit sharply downward.
A smash may not be as pretty as a good half volley, but it can still win points.
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Dec 23, 2022
Smash
A kind of julep cocktail containing chunks of fresh fruit that can be eaten after finishing the drink.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Dash
A small quantity of a liquid substance etc.; less than 1/8 of a teaspoon.
Add a dash of vinegar.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Smash
(transitive) To break (something brittle) violently.
The demolition team smashed the buildings to rubble.
The flying rock smashed the window to pieces.
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Dec 23, 2022
Smash
(intransitive) To be destroyed by being smashed.
The crockery smashed as it hit the floor.
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Dec 23, 2022
Smash
(transitive) To hit extremely hard.
He smashed his head against the table.
Bonds smashed the ball 467 feet, the second longest home run in the history of the park.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Smash
To ruin completely and suddenly.
The news smashed any hopes of a reunion.
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Dec 23, 2022
Dash
A stand-in for a censored word, like "Devil" or "damn". (Compare deuce.)
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Smash
To defeat overwhelmingly; to gain a comprehensive success over.
The Indians smashed the Yankees 22-0.
I really smashed that English exam.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Smash
To deform through continuous pressure.
I slowly smashed the modeling clay flat with the palm of my hand.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Dash
(intransitive) To run quickly or for a short distance.
He dashed across the field.
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Dec 23, 2022
Smash
To break in pieces by violence; to dash to pieces; to crush.
Here everything is broken and smashed to pieces.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Dash
(transitive) To destroy by striking (against).
He dashed the bottle against the bar and turned about to fight.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Smash
To hit (the ball) from above the level of the net with a very hard overhand stroke.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Dash
(transitive) To throw violently.
The man was dashed from the vehicle during the accident.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Smash
To break up, or to pieces suddenly, as the result of collision or pressure.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Dash
To mix, reduce, or adulterate, by throwing in something of an inferior quality.
To dash wine with water
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Dec 23, 2022
Smash
A vigorous blow;
The sudden knock floored him
He took a bash right in his face
He got a bang on the head
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Dash
(transitive) To dishearten; to sadden.
Her thoughts were dashed to melancholy.
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Dec 23, 2022
Dash
To complete hastily.
He dashed down his eggs.
She dashed off her homework.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Smash
The act of colliding with something;
His crash through the window
The fullback's smash into the defensive line
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Dec 23, 2022
Smash
A conspicuous success;
That song was his first hit and marked the beginning of his career
That new Broadway show is a real smasher
The party went with a bang
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Dec 23, 2022
Dash
To throw with violence or haste; to cause to strike violently or hastily; - often used with against.
If you dash a stone against a stone in the botton of the water, it maketh a sound.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Dash
To break, as by throwing or by collision; to shatter; to crust; to frustrate; to ruin.
Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
A brave vessel, . . . Dashed all to pieces.
To perplex and dashMaturest counsels.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Smash
Reduce to bankruptcy;
My daughter's fancy wedding is going to break me!
The slump in the financial markets smashed him
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Dash
To put to shame; to confound; to confuse; to abash; to depress.
Dash the proud gamester in his gilded car.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Dash
To throw in or on in a rapid, careless manner; to mix, reduce, or adulterate, by throwing in something of an inferior quality; to overspread partially; to bespatter; to touch here and there; as, to dash wine with water; to dash paint upon a picture.
I take care to dash the character with such particular circumstance as may prevent ill-natured applications.
The very source and fount of dayIs dashed with wandering isles of night.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Smash
Humiliate or depress completely;
She was crushed by his refusal of her invitation
The death of her son smashed her
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Dash
To form or sketch rapidly or carelessly; to execute rapidly, or with careless haste; - with off; as, to dash off a review or sermon.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Smash
Damage or destroy as if by violence;
The teenager banged up the car of his mother
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Dash
To erase by a stroke; to strike out; knock out; - with out; as, to dash out a word.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Dash
To rush with violence; to move impetuously; to strike violently; as, the waves dash upon rocks.
[He] dashed through thick and thin.
On each hand the gushing waters play,And down the rough cascade all dashing fall.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Smash
Collide or strike violently and suddenly;
The motorcycle smashed into the guard rail
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Dec 23, 2022
Smash
Overthrow or destroy (something considered evil or harmful);
The police smashed the drug ring after they were tipped off
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Dec 23, 2022
Dash
A sudden check; abashment; frustration; ruin; as, his hopes received a dash.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Dash
A slight admixture, infusion, or adulteration; a partial overspreading; as, wine with a dash of water; red with a dash of purple.
Innocence when it has in it a dash of folly.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Dash
A rapid movement, esp. one of short duration; a quick stroke or blow; a sudden onset or rush; as, a bold dash at the enemy; a dash of rain.
She takes upon her bravely at first dash.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Smash
To break something into pieces with force.
He accidentally smashed the vase.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 28, 2023
Dash
A vain show; a blustering parade; a flourish; as, to make or cut a great dash.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Dash
A mark or line [-], in writing or printing, denoting a sudden break, stop, or transition in a sentence, or an abrupt change in its construction, a long or significant pause, or an unexpected or epigrammatic turn of sentiment. Dashes are also sometimes used instead of marks or parenthesis.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Dash
The sign of staccato, a small mark [ ] denoting that the note over which it is placed is to be performed in a short, distinct manner.
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Dec 23, 2022
Dash
A short, spirited effort or trial of speed upon a race course; - used in horse racing, when a single trial constitutes the race.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Dash
Distinctive and stylish elegance;
He wooed her with the confident dash of a cavalry officer
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Dash
A punctuation mark (-) used between parts of a compound word or between the syllables of a word when the word is divided at the end of a line of text
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Dash
Hurl or thrust violently;
He dashed the plate against the wall
Waves were dashing against the rock
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Dec 23, 2022
FAQs
Can Dash and Smash be used as verbs?
Yes, both can be verbs. To dash means to run swiftly, and to smash means to break forcefully.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Does Smash always imply breaking?
No, it can also denote a forceful impact or success.
Janet White
Sep 28, 2023
How does Dash relate to quantity?
It can mean a small amount, like a dash of salt.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Is dashing an adjective?
Yes, it can describe someone who is stylish or attractive.
Janet White
Sep 28, 2023
Is smashing a term of approval?
Yes, in informal contexts, "smashing" can mean excellent.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 28, 2023
Can Smash refer to a success?
Yes, especially in entertainment, a hit can be referred to as a "smash."
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Is a dash a punctuation mark?
Yes, it's a horizontal mark used to separate words or parts of a sentence.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Can Dash indicate urgency?
Yes, someone making a dash usually conveys urgency.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Can Smash be a term in sports?
Yes, especially in tennis, a forceful overhead shot is called a smash.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
What's a dash's role in literature?
It can indicate a pause, change in thought, or emphasize information.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 28, 2023
Is a smash always loud?
Not necessarily, but the force involved often produces noise.
Janet White
Sep 28, 2023
Can dash mean to destroy?
In a sense, yes. Especially hopes or plans can be "dashed."
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Can something smash without breaking?
It's possible, especially if referring to a collision without shattering.
Sara Rehman
Sep 28, 2023
Is Smash synonymous with crash?
They're similar, but smash emphasizes breaking, while crash emphasizes collision.
Sara Rehman
Sep 28, 2023
What's a double dash in writing?
It's called an em dash, used for emphasis or to indicate a break in thought.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 28, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
