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
Refresh Light Fixtures Whether a chandelier, a lantern, a porch light, sconce, pendant, or disco ball, Windex can make any glass light fixture sparkle. Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 23 Mar. 2025 Away from the game’s heartlands in Kolkata, Kerala and the country’s north east, there is a feeling its presence is fragile, ephemeral, a sudden explosion of glitter and sparkle that may yet disappear in a puff of smoke. Rory Smith, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sparkle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sparkle
Verb
  • Over 12,000 glowing Amazon ratings back up the hype.
    Becca Blond, Travel + Leisure, 13 Apr. 2025
  • The episode follows Maria (Siena Kelly), a food researcher whose latest project receives a glowing review from a focus group subject named Verity (Rosy McEwen), one of Maria's ex-classmates who was relentlessly bullied in school.
    Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 12 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Less than two weeks after Luis Enrique’s appointment, the first team took up residence at the club’s gleaming new training centre, the PSG Campus, in Poissy, 25 kilometres west of central Paris.
    Tom Williams, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The historic fantasy of the Great White Way as a glamorous montage of gleaming marquees, sparky backstage romances, and elegant audiences reveling in black tie was a Hollywood concoction, arguably false from the start.
    Frank Rich, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Not to mention, the formula also has a very light shimmer to it that leaves behind a stunning glow on your skin.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2025
  • The water below shimmers despite the residue of metal.
    Ahmed Ali Akbar, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • On those nights, the moon will be at 40% brightness, which may interfere with viewing, according to the American Meteor Society.
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The lamp has a matte-gold finish, provides optimal brightness, and will look perfect on your work desk.
    Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Reality Check is a Star series holding those with power to account and shining a light on their decisions.
    Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Matthew Lawrence received many pearls of wisdom from Robin Williams, and one shines bright even three decades later.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Smoke favors a dapper gray three-piece suit and flat cap, while Stack, gold tooth caps glittering in his mouth, is more ostentatious in his burgundy fedora with matching tie and pocket square.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
  • On Monday night, a glittering crowd stepped out to celebrate the store’s opening, before heading over to Palazzo Serbelloni to wander through its halls and take in the homewares collection.
    Liam Hess, Vogue, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • These commercial-quality clear twinkle net lights are built to last for years.
    Nora Colomer, Fox News, 5 Dec. 2024
  • Walking into the cozy cafe – decked out with colorful throw pillows and twinkle lights – feels like being embraced in a welcoming hug.
    Linda Zavoral, The Mercury News, 24 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • If there are 200 people coming in between 5:30 and 6:45pm before one of PAC NYC’s productions, for example, the pizzazz has to wait.
    Kristin L. Wolfe, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Now’s your chance to add a little pizzazz to your spring closet.
    Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 6 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sparkle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sparkle. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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