Difference Wiki

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

Part of Speech

Noun, verb
Noun, verb
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Sep 28, 2023

Contextual Application

Often linked with haste and minor addition
Associated with force, destruction, or achievement
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023

Synonyms

Sprint, rush, pinch
Crush, shatter, hit
Aimie Carlson
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

Dash

To move with haste; rush
Dashed into the room.
Dashed down the hall.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Smash

To break (something) into pieces suddenly, noisily, and violently; shatter.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Dash

To strike violently; smash
Waves dashing on the rocks.
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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

Dash

To remove by striking or wiping
Dash tears from one's face.
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Dec 23, 2022

Smash

To cause to come into forceful contact with something
Stood up and smashed his head against the cabinet door.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Dash

To splash; bespatter
Dash water on one's face.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Smash

To crush or destroy completely
The army smashed the rebellion.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Dash

To write hastily. Often used with off
Dashed off a note to the dean.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Smash

To surpass or outdo by a large margin
Smashed the record for goals in a season.
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Dec 23, 2022

Dash

To drink hastily. Often used with down
Dashed down a glass of milk.
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

Dash

To add an enlivening or altering element to
A speech dashed with humor.
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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.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Smash

(Sports) To hit a ball, puck, or shuttlecock in a forceful overhand stroke.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Dash

To destroy or wreck
Our hopes were dashed by the news.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Smash

To go bankrupt.
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

Smash

A heavy blow or collision
The smash knocked over the signpost.
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Dec 23, 2022

Dash

To damn.
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Dec 23, 2022

Smash

(Sports) A forceful overhand stroke, as in tennis or badminton.
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

Dash

A splash
Threw a dash of water on my face.
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Dec 23, 2022

Smash

Total defeat or destruction; ruin.
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Dec 23, 2022

Dash

A small amount of an added ingredient
A dash of sherry.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Smash

Financial failure; bankruptcy.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Dash

A quick stroke, as with a pencil or brush.
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Dec 23, 2022

Smash

A drink made of mint, sugar, soda water, and alcoholic liquor, usually brandy.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Dash

A sudden movement; a rush
Made a dash for the exit.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Smash

A soft drink made of crushed fruit.
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

Smash

(Informal) A resounding success
The play was a smash on Broadway.
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Dash

A spirited quality in action or style; verve.
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Smash

Of, relating to, or being a resounding success
A smash hit on Broadway.
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Dash

Either of two symbols, an emdash or an endash, used in writing and in printing.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Smash

With a sudden violent crash.
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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

Dash

A dashboard.
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

Dash

(computing) A hyphen or minus sign.
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Dash

(by extension) The longer of the two symbols of Morse code.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Smash

A bankruptcy.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Dash

A short run, flight.
When the feds came they did the dash.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Smash

A disaster; a bad situation.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Dash

A rushing or violent onset.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Smash

A mashed foodstuff.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Dash

Violent strike; a whack.
Sawaira Riaz
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.
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Dec 23, 2022

Smash

Airspeed; dynamic pressure.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Dash

A slight admixture.
There is a dash of craziness in his personality.
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Dash

Ostentatious vigor.
Aren't we full of dash this morning?
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Smash

(intransitive) To be destroyed by being smashed.
The crockery smashed as it hit the floor.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Dash

A dashboard.
Sawaira Riaz
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

Dash

A bribe or gratuity; a gift.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Smash

To ruin completely and suddenly.
The news smashed any hopes of a reunion.
Sawaira Riaz
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

Dash

The dashboard of a Tumblr user.
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Smash

To have sexual intercourse with.
Would you smash her?
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Dash

To leave or depart.
I have to dash now. See you soon.
Sawaira Riaz
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 sprinkle; to splatter.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Smash

A breaking or dashing to pieces; utter destruction; wreck.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Dash

To mix, reduce, or adulterate, by throwing in something of an inferior quality.
To dash wine with water
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Smash

Hence, bankruptcy.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Dash

To ruin; to destroy.
Her hopes were dashed when she saw the damage.
Sawaira Riaz
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Smash

A serious collision (especially of motor vehicles)
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Dash

To complete hastily.
He dashed down his eggs.
She dashed off her homework.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Smash

A hard return hitting the tennis ball above your head
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Dash

(transitive) To draw or write quickly; jot.
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
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Dash

Damn in forming oaths.
Dash his impudence! Who is that scoundrel?
Sawaira Riaz
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
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Dash

(euphemistic) Damn!
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Smash

Hit hard;
He smashed a 3-run homer
Sawaira Riaz
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

Smash

Break into pieces, as by striking or knocking over;
Smash a plate
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

Smash

Hit violently;
She smashed her car against the guard rail
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

Smash

Hit (a tennis ball) in a powerful overhead stroke
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
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Dash

Violent striking together of two bodies; collision; crash.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Smash

Overthrow or destroy (something considered evil or harmful);
The police smashed the drug ring after they were tipped off
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Dash

A sudden check; abashment; frustration; ruin; as, his hopes received a dash.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Smash

Break suddenly into pieces, as from a violent blow;
The window smashed
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

Smash

With a loud crash;
The car went smash through the fence
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

Energy in style or action; animation; spirit.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Smash

A successful hit or song.
The new single is a smash hit on the charts.
Janet White
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

Smash

A strong or violent blow.
The boxer delivered a smash to his opponent.
Janet White
Sep 28, 2023

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

Smash

To collide with something forcefully.
The car smashed into the tree.
Sara Rehman
Sep 28, 2023

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.
Sawaira Riaz
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 quick run
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Dash

A footrace run at top speed;
He is preparing for the 100-yard dash
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

The longer of the two telegraphic signals used in Morse code
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Dash

The act of moving with great haste;
He made a dash for the door
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Dash

Run or move very quickly or hastily;
She dashed into the yard
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Dash

Break into pieces, as by striking or knocking over;
Smash a plate
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Dash

Hurl or thrust violently;
He dashed the plate against the wall
Waves were dashing against the rock
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Dash

Destroy or break;
Dashed ambitions and hopes
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Dash

Cause to lose courage;
Dashed by the refusal
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Dash

Add an enlivening or altering element to;
Blue paint dashed with white
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022

Dash

A quick movement.
She dashed the glass against the wall.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023

Dash

He made a dash for the exit.
To throw violently.
Sara Rehman
Sep 28, 2023

Dash

A small amount of an ingredient.
His dreams were dashed by the news.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023

Dash

Add a dash of pepper to the soup.
To ruin or destroy hopes.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023

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 Riaz
Sawaira 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 Saeed
Huma 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.

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