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

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
From effortlessly cool Proenza Schouler to playful Tory Burch; from sparkling Prada to sultry lace Ulla Johnson, this dress code is all about matching the glittering lights of a high-energy metropolis after dark. —Kerry Pieri, Vogue, 31 Mar. 2026 Behind the glittering stage and endless food counters, a team of nearly 150 people –– from decorators to caterers ––worked to make this wedding happen. —Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
Long before the Miami glitter, another master showman arrived in Monterey, California—and would soon turn a glamorous hotel into an enchanted forest. —Serena Turner, Vanity Fair, 30 Mar. 2026 The glitter heart design features durable, flake-free glitter that doesn’t rub off or leave behind a trail. —Tory Johnson, ABC News, 28 Mar. 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
  • Beyond it, glass cases gleam with Bvlgari jewels, while the polished marble surfaces shimmer in the light.
    — Vicki Power, TheWeek, 31 Mar. 2026
  • But the approach matters more than most people realize, and getting the timing, tools and technique right can mean the difference between gleaming glass and a frustrating mess of streaks and residue.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 30 Mar. 2026
Definition of gleam
Noun
  • Simone Ashley and Bella Hadid both showed the power of carrying the high-wattage shimmer onto the shoulders, while Heidi Klum and Quinta Brunson proved that a classic smokey eye never goes out of style.
    — Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 17 Mar. 2026
  • While Uzbeks often gem their plovs with raisins and chickpeas, Karakalpaks use only root vegetables and a shimmer of cottonseed oil—a reflection of scarcity in a dish usually defined by abundance.
    — Michael Snyder, Saveur, 11 Mar. 2026
Definition of shimmer
Noun
  • Two-year gilts – the part of the market most sensitive to interest-rate moves – were also pummelled.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Bedrooms are explosions of gilt, silk and tassels, and filled with props such as elaborate costumes.
    — Tamara Hinson, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Mar. 2026
Definition of gilt
Verb
  • There are also water stations on multiple floors with both still and sparkling options that make the reusable bottles actually useful.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
  • And, while Steve Carell could have chemistry with an empty keg, these kids sparkle and shine in his presence.
    — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 30 Mar. 2026
Definition of sparkle
Noun
  • But, there will be progress, if not twinkles of excitement.
    — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The Real Housewives were not yet a twinkle in Andy Cohen’s eye.
    — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 18 Mar. 2026
Definition of twinkle
Verb
  • There are blinking bacteria, flaming fungus, shimmering squid, and flashing fish.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
  • But someone might want to mention to the president that flashing a big gold statue of himself while cities are still doing cleanup from enormous No Kings marches might seem funny to some.
    — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
Definition of flash
Noun
  • Sinners’spotential Oscar wins now signal the gravity of Black progress, within and beyond the industry; its potential Oscar losses carry a glint of cruelty.
    — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Ford, Fiat Chrysler, EVs were a glint in their eye, as the saying goes, at the time.
    — Joel Feder, The Drive, 12 Mar. 2026
Definition of glint
Noun
  • Statement denim pieces include cutout bootcut jeans with buckle detailing, palazzo jeans with tonal embroidery, a sleeveless mini dress, and a butterfly tank top—a subtle nod to Parton, who has long embraced butterflies as a personal symbol of beauty, freedom and nature.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The jacket Joe wore for their wedding ceremony was lined in red fabric with embroidery of the number eight, a traditionally auspicious figure.
    — Kaitlin Menza, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Apr. 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 5 Apr. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on glitter

Nglish: Translation of glitter for Spanish Speakers

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