shimmer 1 of 2

verb

ˈshi-mər How to pronounce shimmer (audio)
Definition of shimmernext
as in to gleam
to shoot forth bursts of light a sequined dress shimmering under the studio lights

Synonyms & Similar Words

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shimmer

2 of 2

noun

as in glow

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb shimmer contrast with its synonyms?

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

a shimmering satin dress

When is it sensible to use flash instead of shimmer?

The meanings of flash and shimmer largely overlap; however, flash implies a sudden outburst of bright light.

lightning flashed

When can gleam be used instead of shimmer?

While in some cases nearly identical to shimmer, gleam suggests a steady light seen through an obscuring medium or against a dark background.

lights gleamed in the valley

When could glimmer be used to replace shimmer?

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

a distant glimmering light

Where would glint be a reasonable alternative to shimmer?

The words glint and shimmer are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, glint implies a cold glancing light.

glinting steel

In what contexts can glisten take the place of shimmer?

The words glisten and shimmer can be used in similar contexts, but glisten applies to the soft sparkle from a wet or oily surface.

glistening wet sidewalk

When might glitter be a better fit than shimmer?

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

glittering diamonds

When would sparkle be a good substitute for shimmer?

Although the words sparkle and shimmer have much in common, 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 shimmer
Verb
But in his left, a shimmering gold vortex swirled within the pupil. —Gregory Barber Sasha Arutyunova, New York Times, 1 May 2025 The shimmering elements of Fanning’s gown cascaded down the design of her dress. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 22 May 2025
Noun
When oil shimmers, add onion; cook, stirring frequently, until onion is translucent, 2-3 minutes. —Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 2 May 2025 Don’t miss the Eye Stylus Shadow Sticks ($32) with rich, waterproof and blendable pigments in 20 matte and shimmer shades drawn from Renaissance paintings. —Kate Donnelly, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shimmer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shimmer
  1. gleam
  2. glow
  3. glitter
  4. glare
  5. sparkle
  6. sheen
  7. flash
  8. glint
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
  • As the moon and stars light the night, the fabric and tiny mirrors will provide a magical glow to the ralli design. SR: Does ralli-making have a cultural connotation other than its usage as a quilt? PS: There are deep cultural meanings to ralli-making.
    — Sonya Rehman, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
  • Essie Penny Talk $10 at Amazon $13 $10 at Walmart $10 at Ulta There's a metallic for every season, and summertime calls for a rose gold shade that mimics a sunset glow.
    — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 12 June 2025
Definition of glow
Verb
  • Sunnfjord: Nestled among steep mountains and glittering fjords, Sunnfjord’s highlights include the spectacular Storehesten, a peak formed during the final collapse of the Caledonian mountain range.
    — David Nikel, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
  • Only 200,000 showed up to the parade early in the day, with numbers peaking later in the evening, when around 800,000 were present for the glittering fireworks display.
    — Callum Sutherland, Time, 11 June 2025
Definition of glitter
Noun
  • At one point, El Moussa's father could be observed getting upset and turning around to glare at the man.
    — EW.com, EW.com, 13 June 2025
  • Sometimes leaders, like astronomers, need tools to block out the glare and find the right path to new discoveries.
    — Eric Reicin, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
Definition of glare
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
  • Their minimalist design offered contrast to the textural details of the archival ensemble, grounding the look with a subtle sheen.
    — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 6 June 2025
  • The product delivers a subtle sheen on your lips and leaves it moisturized for hours.
    — Robyn Merrett, StyleCaster, 6 June 2025
Definition of sheen
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
Verb
  • Key pieces range from a linen suit to slouchy knits glinting with Lurex.
    — Lisa Lockwood, WWD, 6 Feb. 2025
  • The Grammy-winning rapper sparkled in a sumptuous canary gown that glinted with the help of some reflective beading.
    — Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of glint

Browse Nearby Words

shilly-shallying
shimmer
shimmered
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shimmer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shimmer. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of shimmer for Spanish Speakers

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