glimmer 1 of 2

glimmer

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb glimmer contrast with its synonyms?

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

a distant glimmering light

Where would flash be a reasonable alternative to glimmer?

In some situations, the words flash and glimmer are roughly equivalent. However, flash implies a sudden outburst of bright light.

lightning flashed

When could gleam be used to replace glimmer?

The words gleam and glimmer 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 is it sensible to use glint instead of glimmer?

The synonyms glint and glimmer are sometimes interchangeable, but glint implies a cold glancing light.

glinting steel

In what contexts can glisten take the place of glimmer?

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

glistening wet sidewalk

When is glitter a more appropriate choice than glimmer?

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

glittering diamonds

When would shimmer be a good substitute for glimmer?

Although the words shimmer and glimmer have much in common, shimmer means shining with a wavering light.

a shimmering satin dress

When can sparkle be used instead of glimmer?

The words sparkle and glimmer are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 glimmer
Noun
There are glimmers of a much more compelling movie buried underneath all the rubble, but Blomkamp's script never has enough space or inner calmness to make a lasting impression. Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 28 Mar. 2025 That glimmer of hope is immediately extinguished, however, when Lottie (Courtney Eaton) buries an axe into Edwin’s skull. Michaela Zee, Variety, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
Adria asked, glimmering with incredulity. Daniel D'addario, Variety, 17 Feb. 2025 For the premiere, Hudson glimmered on the red carpet. Mikelle Street, WWD, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for glimmer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for glimmer
Noun
  • Looking for Saturday’s Wordle hints, clues and answer?
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Be warned: This article includes hints and comments that may contain spoilers for today’s puzzle.
    New York Times Games, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • However, senior Danielle Sievers stuck her full-twisting double tuck in the leadoff spot without a flicker for a 9.865.
    Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Viewers are given a flicker of hope at the end of the season when Staten appears at Gracie’s bar, but he’s gone before Quinn can reach him.
    Francesca Gariano, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • On his coffee table sits a gleaming metallic hood ornament, a winged pointed figure that looks like a mock spaceship that Gurr hoped would grace a new Lincoln.
    Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Dark and shapely sterling links are offset by irregularly tumbled; pale blue aquamarines that gleam like morning skies reflected in water.
    Kyle Roderick, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • My own curls arrived around age 13, another pubescent crisis to be dealt with along with the mustache that sprouted overnight and a sprinkling of T-zone blackheads.
    Sam Reed, Glamour, 11 Apr. 2025
  • The Premier League has had a decent sprinkling of Swedes — from Freddie Ljungberg to Zlatan Ibrahimovic — but none have matched Isak’s scoring output in England.
    Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil and heat until shimmering.
    The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Apr. 2025
  • From shimmering looks seen on Paige Bueckers, Kiki Iriafen, and more, to the classic LBD on Serena Sundell and Hailey Van Lith, players showed up dressed to the nines for their big night.
    Taylor Anderson, Vogue, 15 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Cover and cook until roast is tender and shreds easily, about 5 hours on HIGH or 8 hours on LOW.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 8 Apr. 2025
  • But Illinois lawmakers have yet to provide one shred of evidence that any individual’s benefits fall afoul of the IRS rules.
    Ted Dabrowski, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Lanes split, signs flash, exits appear too soon or too late.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • However, Walker has flashed great athleticism in space with incredible range and physicality.
    Josh Kendall, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Jets history, going back to Rex Ryan, and way back to Joe (Willie) Namath, provides ample evidence the organization is much about media splash, not backing down, and wanting to be the center of attention despite not making the playoffs since 2010.
    Bob Raissman, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2025
  • While a wide receiver like Texas’ Matthew Golden or a running back like North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton would have certainly been splash, impact players that Dallas could have weaponized in year one under Schottenheimer, the thought process behind Booker makes sense too.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Glimmer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/glimmer. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

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