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shimmer

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb shimmer contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of shimmer are flash, gleam, glimmer, glint, glisten, glitter, and sparkle. While all these words mean "to send forth light," shimmer means shining with a wavering light.

a shimmering satin dress

When is it sensible to use flash instead of shimmer?

The meanings of flash and shimmer largely overlap; however, flash implies a sudden outburst of bright light.

lightning flashed

When can gleam be used instead of shimmer?

While in some cases nearly identical to shimmer, gleam suggests a steady light seen through an obscuring medium or against a dark background.

lights gleamed in the valley

When could glimmer be used to replace shimmer?

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

a distant glimmering light

Where would glint be a reasonable alternative to shimmer?

The words glint and shimmer are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, glint implies a cold glancing light.

glinting steel

In what contexts can glisten take the place of shimmer?

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

glistening wet sidewalk

When might glitter be a better fit than shimmer?

While the synonyms glitter and shimmer are close in meaning, glitter connotes a brilliant sparkling or gleaming.

glittering diamonds

When would sparkle be a good substitute for shimmer?

Although the words sparkle and shimmer have much in common, 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 shimmer
Verb
Princess Kate shimmered the statement dress for the evening banquet celebrating the wedding of Crown Prince Hussein to Princess Rajwa in Amman, Jordan, where Kate briefly lived as a child for her father Michael Middleton's job at British Airways. Janine Henni, People.com, 3 Mar. 2025 Crystal chandeliers shimmered, reflecting the warm glow of the candelabras that lined the tables. Ian Malone, Vogue, 3 Mar. 2025
Noun
Mindy Kaling Mindy Kaling went full-on shimmer in a metallic Oscar de la Renta gown at the Oscars. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025 Also known as midnight candy, the blossoms of this perennial shimmer in the moonlight from midsummer through early fall. Clarence Schmidt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shimmer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shimmer
Verb
  • The grandeur of soaring, 18-foot ceilings; gleaming mahogany finishes; velvet textures; and custom blue-and-white china work create an elegant but approachable ambiance.
    Spencer Whaley, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Flanked by a Westworld-esque, retro-futuristic ball gown in Kummel red, the gleaming white bale feels almost humble in comparison — standing in the shadow as an artifact of quiet luxury.
    Denni Hu, WWD, 19 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • This image features a deep field view of the Cassiopeia constellation immersed in the glow of ionized hydrogen gas, where the two small planetary nebulas can be found, Abell 6 and the larger HFG1.
    Miguel Claro, Space.com, 22 Mar. 2025
  • The re-re-inspection put the glow back on the Thai Moon.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • While Gomez has forged a refined, ladylike look in powder-blue Prada and anticipatory bridal whites, with ornate custom Ralph Lauren and glittering Armani Prive for her red carpet appearances, Blanco loves pale linens, loud prints, and hippie hemp materials.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 19 Mar. 2025
  • For a more formal occasion, like the Global Gift Gala in Paris last October, Longoria glittered from head to toe in a look from Oscar de la Renta‘s pre-fall 2024 collection.
    Julia Teti, WWD, 18 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Jacob-Jenkins has penned Naz as an asexual introvert, the kind of young man who finds solace in nature and lakes and everything that takes him far away from either his father’s infidelity or the glare of political attention.
    Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Overhangs and sun-shading louvers outside of the kitchen and family room control glare without blocking the views to Lake Michigan below.
    Dan Howarth, Architectural Digest, 17 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Make cake batter: Beat cake mix, sparkling water, oil, eggs, 1 package of the pudding mix, and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
    Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Many women’s dress watches are adorned with sparkling details on both the face and the band, making for a truly dazzling display.
    BestReviews, The Mercury News, 25 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Adding to the sheen is the participation of David Grusch and Sonya Brown.
    Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Mar. 2025
  • The best sneakers right now have a statement-making sheen.
    Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Another shows Gordon flashing a peace sign while Swift wraps her arm around her from behind.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Royals flash leather across the diamond The Royals couldn’t quite find their offensive footing Friday.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 15 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Now in its sixth year, the Redondo Beach music extravaganza will boast another electrifying lineup that can only be rivaled by the cathartic ocean breeze blowing off the glinting Pacific.
    SPIN Contributor, SPIN, 19 Feb. 2025
  • Crocodiles lounged in the shallows, their eyes glinting when headlamps were shined their way.
    Charlie Cordero, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Shimmer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shimmer. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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