Synonyms of glitter

glitter 1 of 2

verb

ˈgli-tər 

as in to gleam

to shoot forth bursts of light

the queen's crown glittered under the glare of the TV lights

Synonyms & Similar Words

• gleam
• shimmer
• sparkle
• flash
• glint
• shine
• twinkle
• glisten
• lustre
• glow
• glimmer
• flame
• spangle
• glister
• scintillate
• luster
• wink
• glance
• coruscate
• beam
• winkle
• dazzle
• blind
• flare
• radiate
• glare
• blaze
• bedazzle
• daze
• burn

glitter

2 of 2

noun

1

as in shimmer

Synonyms & Similar Words

• shimmer
• sparkle
• twinkle
• glint
• scintillation
• glimmer
• glow
• gleam
• glare
• luminescence
• fluorescence
• radiance
• sunlight
• sunshine
• moonlight
• light
• flash
• blaze
• illumination
• flare
• incandescence
• shine
• beam
• lustre
• ray
• sheen
• halo
• sunbeam
• daylight
• aurora
• aureole
• polish
• gloss
• streak
• shaft
• aureola
• stream
• luster
• reflection
• afterglow
• glisten

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• night
• darkness
• shadow
• dark
• blackness
• gloom
• dusk
• duskiness
• dimness

2

as in gilt

Synonyms & Similar Words

• gilt
• appliqué
• embroidery
• embossment
• fancywork
• pattern
• design
• enhancement
• enrichment
• improvement
• trappings
• bedizenment
• furnishings
• regalia
• ruffle
• frosting
• filigree
• flounce
• flourish
• embellishment
• finery
• ornament
• decoration
• frippery
• apparel
• ornamentation
• adornment
• froufrou
• garnish
• figure
• trim
• bells and whistles
• furbelow
• frill
• blazonry
• chichi
• garniture
• setoff
• garnishment
• fal-lal
• beautifier
• doodad
• foofaraw
• bric-a-brac
• emblazonry
• caparison
• embellisher

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• scar
• blemish
• disfigurement
• stain
• spot
• blot
• defacement

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb glitter contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of glitter are flash, gleam, glimmer, glint, glisten, shimmer, and sparkle. While all these words mean "to send forth light," glitter connotes a brilliant sparkling or gleaming.

glittering diamonds

When might flash be a better fit than glitter?

The synonyms flash and glitter are sometimes interchangeable, but flash implies a sudden outburst of bright light.

lightning flashed

Where would gleam be a reasonable alternative to glitter?

The words gleam and glitter can be used in similar contexts, but gleam suggests a steady light seen through an obscuring medium or against a dark background.

lights gleamed in the valley

When would glimmer be a good substitute for glitter?

In some situations, the words glimmer and glitter are roughly equivalent. However, glimmer suggests a faint or wavering gleam.

a distant glimmering light

In what contexts can glint take the place of glitter?

The meanings of glint and glitter largely overlap; however, glint implies a cold glancing light.

glinting steel

When is it sensible to use glisten instead of glitter?

Although the words glisten and glitter have much in common, glisten applies to the soft sparkle from a wet or oily surface.

glistening wet sidewalk

When can shimmer be used instead of glitter?

While the synonyms shimmer and glitter are close in meaning, shimmer means shining with a wavering light.

a shimmering satin dress

When is sparkle a more appropriate choice than glitter?

The words sparkle and glitter are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sparkle suggests innumerable moving points of bright light.

the sparkling waters

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of glitter

Verb

Where This Is Lorelei’s original is a glittering, up-tempo gem that gestures towards sprightly synth pop, Lenderman fittingly tackles the song with a bit more high and lonesome twang. —Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 25 Mar. 2025

To complete the look, Gomez wore a classic little black dress with sheer tights, pumps, and glittering earrings and styled her Old Hollywood bob with a bouncy blowout. —Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 24 Mar. 2025

Noun

And for God's sake, why is everyone wearing so much glitter??? —Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 4 Feb. 2025

Choco-Shenanigans Doughnut: An unglazed shell doughnut filled with white Kreme, dipped in chocolate icing and topped with green icing drizzles and gold coin glitter sprinkles. —Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2025