glitter 1 of 2

verb

ˈgli-tər How to pronounce glitter (audio)
Definition of glitternext
as in to gleam
to shoot forth bursts of light the queen's crown glittered under the glare of the TV lights

Synonyms & Similar Words

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glitter

2 of 2

noun

1
as in shimmer

Related Words

Dissimilar Words
2
as in gilt

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb glitter contrast with its synonyms?

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

glittering diamonds

When might flash be a better fit than glitter?

The synonyms flash and glitter are sometimes interchangeable, but flash implies a sudden outburst of bright light.

lightning flashed

Where would gleam be a reasonable alternative to glitter?

The words gleam and glitter 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 would glimmer be a good substitute for glitter?

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

a distant glimmering light

In what contexts can glint take the place of glitter?

The meanings of glint and glitter largely overlap; however, glint implies a cold glancing light.

glinting steel

When is it sensible to use glisten instead of glitter?

Although the words glisten and glitter have much in common, glisten applies to the soft sparkle from a wet or oily surface.

glistening wet sidewalk

When can shimmer be used instead of glitter?

While the synonyms shimmer and glitter are close in meaning, shimmer means shining with a wavering light.

a shimmering satin dress

When is sparkle a more appropriate choice than glitter?

The words sparkle and glitter 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 glitter
Verb
Dressed in a glittering white gown and fluffy cape, Carey appeared under the spotlight to roaring cheers. —Andrew Greif, NBC news, 6 Feb. 2026 In this raw and revealing memoir, Gold shares the truth behind the glittering image, exposing the intense pressures of elite skating and her fight to reclaim her life and identity. —Ashlee Conour, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026
Noun
One of the latter is a giant man-eating, glitter-pissing cat-centaur crossbreed, but don’t even ask. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 5 Feb. 2026 She may be known for her effervescent personality, dance moves, and face glitter, but don’t be fooled. —Frederick Dreier, Outside, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for glitter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for glitter
  1. gleam
  2. shimmer
  3. gilt
  4. sparkle
  5. twinkle
  6. flash
  7. glint
  8. embroidery
Verb
  • The rooms Supremely comfy, with no gimmicky surprises — just proper, old-school amenities, the plumpest beds and (16 types of) pillows, and gleaming bathrooms decked in mottled marble.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Feb. 2026
  • This budget-friendly dish soap will get your dishes gleaming.
    — Heather Bien, Southern Living, 6 Feb. 2026
Definition of gleam
Noun
  • The model added a slight shimmer to her ensemble by decorating her Saint Laurent slingback pumps with dangling diamond anklets.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The newest wave of cat-eye nails features ultra-fine shimmer that reflects like crystal-clear glass.
    — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of shimmer
Noun
  • In 2022, gilt markets were shaken when then-Prime Minister Liz Truss announced a swathe of unfunded tax cuts — forcing an intervention from the Bank of England and leading to Truss’ resignation after just 44 days into the job.
    — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 10 Feb. 2026
  • There is a staircase with a decorative wrought-iron balustrade railing, a bedroom with bold, flower wallpaper, and in what appears to be an entry way, Rococo gilt-wood mirrors.
    — Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 23 Dec. 2025
Definition of gilt
Verb
  • From the bridge of their charter boat High Class Hooker, Susanna Pope and her husband can look out at the sparkling 65-degree saltwater off Key West, Florida, and envision customers fishing for marlin, wahoo and mahi mahi.
    — Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 9 Feb. 2026
  • The hand in motion, the fluttering scarf, the sparkling outfit.
    — JD Barker, Rolling Stone, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of sparkle
Noun
  • The ocean blue dining room is as enchanting as ever, adorned with fish nets and twinkle lights.
    — Becky Duffett, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Then, the spectacle in Paris seduced the world once more as only the Olympic Games and the City of Light could, as events unfolded beneath an Eiffel Tower that went twinkle-twinkle every night.
    — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2026
Definition of twinkle
Verb
  • When asked about his goalie practicing the art of deception in Wild practices, Hynes flashed a broad smile and snapped into his Team USA headspace quickly.
    — Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Minutes after that, a Fort Worth police vehicle driven by Officer Brock Atkins turns right onto Northwest 20th Street with its lights flashing.
    — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of flash
Noun
  • His Davis, with short dark hair and a beard and a glint of dread in his eye, is edgy and preoccupied, maybe even a bit nervous.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The glint in the baby’s eyes is miraculous.
    — Dante Motley, Austin American Statesman, 6 Feb. 2026
Definition of glint
Noun
  • In addition to featuring intricate lacework, some pieces stand out for being crafted from chiffon and fluid satins, being punctuated by tiny floral embroideries and cascading daisy embellishments or simply for their buttery hues that add to the classic black and white propositions.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Feb. 2026
  • The jeans featured floral embroideries and mixed media patchwork.
    — Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of embroidery

Browse Nearby Words

glitches
glitter
glitterati
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Glitter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/glitter. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on glitter

Nglish: Translation of glitter for Spanish Speakers

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