GLEAM Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'gleam' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of gleam are flash , glimmer , glint , glisten , glitter , shimmer , and sparkle . While all these words mean "to send forth light," gleam suggests a steady light seen through an obscuring medium or against a dark background. // lights gleamed in the valley

Q: When is 'flash' a more appropriate choice than 'gleam'?

While the synonyms flash and gleam are close in meaning, flash implies a sudden outburst of bright light. // lightning flashed

Q: When might 'glimmer' be a better fit than 'gleam'?

While in some cases nearly identical to gleam , glimmer suggests a faint or wavering gleam. // a distant glimmering light

Q: When could 'glint' be used to replace 'gleam'?

Although the words glint and gleam have much in common, glint implies a cold glancing light. // glinting steel

Q: Where would 'glisten' be a reasonable alternative to 'gleam'?

The words glisten and gleam can be used in similar contexts, but glisten applies to the soft sparkle from a wet or oily surface. // glistening wet sidewalk

Q: When is it sensible to use 'glitter' instead of 'gleam'?

The words glitter and gleam are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, glitter connotes a brilliant sparkling or gleaming. // glittering diamonds

Q: When would 'shimmer' be a good substitute for 'gleam'?

In some situations, the words shimmer and gleam are roughly equivalent. However, shimmer means shining with a wavering light. // a shimmering satin dress

Q: When can 'sparkle' be used instead of 'gleam'?

The meanings of sparkle and gleam largely overlap; however, sparkle suggests innumerable moving points of bright light. // the sparkling waters

gleam 1 of 2

noun

ˈglēm

Definition of gleam next

as in glow

the steady giving off of the form of radiation that makes vision possible the door opened a crack and let in a gleam of light from the hallway

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

gleam

2 of 2

verb

as in to glint

to shoot forth bursts of light fine china and stemware gleaming in the candlelight

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb gleam contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of gleam are flash, glimmer, glint, glisten, glitter, shimmer, and sparkle. While all these words mean "to send forth light," gleam suggests a steady light seen through an obscuring medium or against a dark background.

lights gleamed in the valley

When is flash a more appropriate choice than gleam?

While the synonyms flash and gleam are close in meaning, flash implies a sudden outburst of bright light.

lightning flashed

When might glimmer be a better fit than gleam?

While in some cases nearly identical to gleam, glimmer suggests a faint or wavering gleam.

a distant glimmering light

When could glint be used to replace gleam?

Although the words glint and gleam have much in common, glint implies a cold glancing light.

glinting steel

Where would glisten be a reasonable alternative to gleam?

The words glisten and gleam can be used in similar contexts, but glisten applies to the soft sparkle from a wet or oily surface.

glistening wet sidewalk

When is it sensible to use glitter instead of gleam?

The words glitter and gleam are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, glitter connotes a brilliant sparkling or gleaming.

glittering diamonds

When would shimmer be a good substitute for gleam?

In some situations, the words shimmer and gleam are roughly equivalent. However, shimmer means shining with a wavering light.

a shimmering satin dress

When can sparkle be used instead of gleam?

The meanings of sparkle and gleam 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 gleam

Noun

Enhanced with moisturizing fatty acids that impart a dewy gleam at any age, the formulation also contains sea daffodil extract to brighten dark spots. —

Jenny Berg, Vogue, 21 Jan. 2025 The gleam in Danson’s eye in that final moment suggested a show, and an actor, with many exciting years left. —

Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 15 Jan. 2025

Verb

The Middle East’s first super-luxury train will gleam gold Dream of the Desert is a train set to whisk people across Saudi Arabia — in style, according to the designs that have just been released. —

Alexandra Banner, CNN, 29 Jan. 2025 The golden antiquities gleamed gently under their spotlights. —

Laura J. Nelson, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for gleam

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gleam

Noun

One of the simplest ways to make sure your home gets that natural glow is by taking care of your windows and door glass.

— Katelyn Squiers, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Feb. 2025
With its creamy neutral base and iridescent glow, the glazed donut works for pretty much all occasions—especially for celebrating a loved one’s big day.

— Audrey Noble, Vogue, 13 Feb. 2025