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gleam

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verb

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
The comfort and gleam of the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles depended on the people who waded through rush-hour traffic on the 405 Freeway or the Pacific Coast Highway every morning to do the service work there. Orlando Mayorquín, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025 There’s no hiding within the dizzying gleam of those attention-seeking discs, a useful tool in a room that decides who and what is considered worthy of praise. Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 6 Jan. 2025
Verb
The galley-style chef’s kitchen stretches to more than 28 feet long with gleaming white Bulthaup cabinetry, a Wolf range, Miele ovens, and a Sub-Zero refrigerator. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 28 Feb. 2025 The decorative details were just as noteworthy—from the white orchids in glass vases to the Chinese gongs and gleaming Christofle platters. Leah Faye Cooper, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gleam
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gleam
Noun
  • The universe is setting you up for a major glow up.
    Dossé-Via Trenou, refinery29.com, 27 Feb. 2025
  • And many of them worked on their glow starting months in advance.
    Justine Fisher, People.com, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Among the pottery was a broken pot and gold items glinting from within, the ministry said.
    Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Something across the top of the burial seemed to glint in the sun.
    Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 12 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • However, that didn’t stop her co-workers and peers from laying down the firm glare of judgment.
    Marc Griffin, VIBE.com, 7 Mar. 2025
  • That means Johnson’s responses on Wednesday will be under the dual glare of Congress and Trump’s Justice Department, though the courts have generally determined sanctuary laws to be constitutional.
    Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Shortstop Max Acosta, one of three players acquired in the Jake Burger trade with Texas, has flashed this spring, getting on base in 6 of his 14 plate appearances, with a home run.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Nightmares of more dental work had to have flashed through the Celtics guard’s mind Thursday night.
    Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • It’s formulated with diamond powder that catches and reflects light, as well as hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and avocado, shea, and mango butters.
    Hannah Malach, WWD, 2 Mar. 2025
  • For at least one of these things, McFadden is partial to a statement light fixture to bring warmth to the foyer.
    Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 2 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • McGrath captures color well, and so eyes shimmered with a pearly, iridescent lavender.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Romance, true love, fertility and children, as well as hobbies and creativity could all shimmer like gold.
    Kyle Thomas, People.com, 23 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • What if this golden moment for Reddit is not a renaissance but a last hurrah—one final reminder of what could have been, before a tsunami of AI wipes out the places that once sparkled with humanity?
    Adrienne LaFrance, The Atlantic, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Even Baby boomers are backing off alcohol a bit, with seltzers/sparkling up 13% and fruit juices edging up 1%, as beer drops 7%, spirits slide 12%, wine plummets 15%, and soft drinks fall off the cliff by 16%.
    Louis Biscotti, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The fields are illuminated by soft, twinkling lights that dance through the rows of tulips, creating an atmosphere of pure wonder.
    Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 12 Feb. 2025
  • Adding strands of these twinkling lights—also called fairy lights—to the inside of your home creates a glowing effect in your space throughout the year.
    Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Gleam.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gleam. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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