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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in gilt

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
From there, viewers are treated to fleeting glimpses of Elphaba working her magic, Glinda adorning herself with a glittering crown and a peek at some menacing flying monkeys. —Dan Heching, CNN Money, 5 June 2025 That includes comedy acts, dance extravaganzas, not to mention a nostalgic recap of the show's glittering past. —Griff Griffin, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
Noun
All that glitters is not gold, though: The comedy aspects don’t really work, and the glamour gives way to a stark examination of psychological trauma, leaving us with a serious case of tonal whiplash. —Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 22 May 2025 The formula—which sparkles in the bottle with rose-gold flecks of glitter—is made more indulgent yet with its gourman, coconut-milk scent. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 23 May 2025 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
  • But its sound was always gleaming and well-rounded, the instrumental balance impeccable all evening.
    — Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2025
  • Photo : Become Legendary The primary bathroom is wrapped in gleaming turquoise-colored tile.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 21 May 2025
Definition of gleam
Noun
  • When the oil shimmers, add the onions to the pot and saute, stirring often.
    — Vicky Hallett, NPR, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Guitarist Justin Ostrander laid down a chill solo live on the first pass, and drummer Evan Hutchings added some shimmer with his cymbal work.
    — Tom Roland, Billboard, 23 May 2025
Definition of shimmer
Noun
  • Yields on 20- and 30-year gilts edged 7 basis points lower.
    — , CNBC, 27 May 2025
  • The British government’s long-term borrowing costs grew higher, with the 30-year gilt yield closing at 5.563%, its highest level since 1998.
    — Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 23 May 2025
Definition of gilt
Verb
  • In the video, Zimmerman tucked into a burger while wearing her sparkling white wedding gown.
    — Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
  • Photo : Niamh Whitty There are sparkling vantages of Courtmacsherry Bay.
    — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 27 May 2025
Definition of sparkle
Noun
  • But Pascal, for all the twinkle in his eye, often plays relatively sexless characters — from the fatherly energy of The Last of Us to the ascetic qualities of The Mandalorian.
    — Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 9 June 2025
  • Mood-wise, this first section is magnificently done (although the celestial spa-music score by the Newton Brothers is a twinkle too much).
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025
Definition of twinkle
Verb
  • Steve’s first instinct is almost always to say something awful or unkind, and then Murray’s eyes flash a desire to take it back.
    — Joe Reid, Vulture, 12 June 2025
  • Goldberg flashed a confused look after Behar's admission, as the audience applauded and conservative panelist Alyssa Farah Griffin laughed while segueing into her own point.
    — Joey Nolfi Published, EW.com, 11 June 2025
Definition of flash
Noun
  • There are also some unexpected turns, like Glinda walking down the aisle toward Fiyero and a glint of Dorothy's silver shoes, moments not found in the stage version.
    — EW.com, EW.com, 5 June 2025
  • All eyes are on the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague next month, officials hoping for a glint of clarity on how the U.S. wants to remould its relations with Europe.
    — Ellie Cook — reporting from Rovajärvi, northern Finland, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025
Definition of glint
Noun
  • The apparel collection features a cotton indigo twill chef shirt with golden embroidery and brown horn pearled snaps.
    — Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 10 June 2025
  • Its services start with direct-to-garments but encompass so much more, including screen printing, embroidery, custom T-shirts, hats, hoodies, totes, and mugs, among many others, and professional graphic designs.
    — Jason Phillips, USA Today, 7 June 2025
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 18 Jun. 2025.

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