sparkle 1 of 2

1
as in to glow
to give off sparks while fireworks that sparkle may be entertaining to look at, they can be highly dangerous when used indoors

Synonyms & Similar Words

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sparkle

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb sparkle contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of sparkle are flash, gleam, glimmer, glint, glisten, glitter, and shimmer. While all these words mean "to send forth light," sparkle suggests innumerable moving points of bright light.

the sparkling waters

Where would flash be a reasonable alternative to sparkle?

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

lightning flashed

When might gleam be a better fit than sparkle?

Although the words gleam and sparkle have much in common, gleam suggests a steady light seen through an obscuring medium or against a dark background.

lights gleamed in the valley

When is glimmer a more appropriate choice than sparkle?

The words glimmer and sparkle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, glimmer suggests a faint or wavering gleam.

a distant glimmering light

In what contexts can glint take the place of sparkle?

In some situations, the words glint and sparkle are roughly equivalent. However, glint implies a cold glancing light.

glinting steel

When would glisten be a good substitute for sparkle?

The meanings of glisten and sparkle largely overlap; however, glisten applies to the soft sparkle from a wet or oily surface.

glistening wet sidewalk

When can glitter be used instead of sparkle?

The words glitter and sparkle can be used in similar contexts, but glitter connotes a brilliant sparkling or gleaming.

glittering diamonds

When is it sensible to use shimmer instead of sparkle?

While in some cases nearly identical to sparkle, shimmer means shining with a wavering light.

a shimmering satin dress

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 sparkle
Verb
Trader Joe's is cautioning customers that some glass bottles of Gerolsteiner sparkling water sold in 12 states could be cracked or damaged. Kate Gibson, CBS News, 14 Mar. 2025 Cardi paired the orange-and-blue hair with equally colorful nails in a neon turquoise hue and thick, fluttery lashes, her dermal piercing sparkling under her eyes. Kara Nesvig, Allure, 10 Mar. 2025
Noun
As only the 90th woman to visit space, Gerardi, 36, wants young girls to learn more about space, and show them that science and sparkles can coexist. Alyssa Goldberg, USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2025 The Dimple wall sconces add a touch of sparkle without sacrificing space. Kathryn O'Shea-Evans, Architectural Digest, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sparkle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sparkle
Verb
  • Smoke blew around the crater with weak to moderate pressure and firelight was seen at the peak, indicating that the glowing volcanic material was at a shallow depth.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Everything about this adaptation is radiant — from Cinderella’s glowing blue ballgown to the heartrending relationship between the Prince (a dashing Richard Madden) and his aging father (Branagh favorite Derek Jacobi).
    Staff Author, EW.com, 22 Mar. 2025
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
  • Featuring a variety of both shimmer and matte hues, these glide on for a natural, easy-to-blend look.
    Amanda Lauren, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
  • The masculine edge of the traditional Birkenstock silhouette is perfectly balanced with the feminine shimmer of gold, making these shoes a standout choice.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The study authors believe the early galaxies may have formed more stars, and stars on a more massive scale, than expected, which would also affect the brightness of the galaxy overall.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN, 20 Mar. 2025
  • The 9a’s panel can also reach 2,700 nits of brightness outdoors, compared with a 2,000-nit limit on the 8a.
    Bloomberg, The Mercury News, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Despite these limitations, Anderson says the study is important for shining a light on the need for inclusivity.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 26 Mar. 2025
  • How your doctor responds to this conversation will help shine light on the best way to proceed, Arin says.
    Angela Haupt, Time, 26 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
  • This schism becomes her barrier to happiness, discounting and dismissing the clearly beguiling Sam, a handsome charmer with a twinkle in his eye.
    Jason Bailey, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2025
  • These twinkle lights, on sale for $18.99 from Amazon, can be combined and have a timer function.
    Nora Colomer, Fox News, 5 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The loud bag added a bit of pizzazz to a neutral look without going overboard.
    Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Relish? More than one Southern chef mentioned cranberry relish, which looks a lot like homemade cranberry sauce with a little extra pizzazz.
    Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 24 Nov. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Sparkle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sparkle. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

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