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

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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

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
From Willis Tower to the shimmering glass towers along Lake Michigan, the skyline tells a story of aspiration and possibility. —Tonika Lewis Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026 Eventually, as darkness descended, hundreds of shimmering dots coalesced to form a pulsating galaxy of light. —New York Times, 16 Mar. 2026
Noun
The iridescent shimmer of carnival glass is having a moment. —Heather Bien, Martha Stewart, 25 Feb. 2026 For accessories, the Grammy-winning singer added a heaping dose of shimmer to the outfit with a dazzling diamond statement necklace. —Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 20 Feb. 2026 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
  • 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
  • Clever Mercury in your sign trines lucky Jupiter in your 5th House of Delight, giving your words a playful glow and encouraging authentic self-expression.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2026
  • During Monday’s lunar flyby, the moon will be between the Orion capsule and the sun, blotting out its retina-burning light so that MAPS’s fainter glow can be safely seen.
    — Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 3 Apr. 2026
Definition of glow
Verb
  • Far from Boston's glittering elite is newcomer Taylor Adams, a young nurse eager to leave her humble past behind.
    — Danielle Parker, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Besides carnivorous snake-trees, majestic candlehawks, and various glittering quasi-insects, the Scythian biome includes a species called the basket-men, who look like a cross between great apes and praying mantises.
    — Stephanie Burt, New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2026
Definition of glitter
Noun
  • Its glare-free screen also helps keep reflections away so you won't be distracted.
    — George Yang, PC Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026
  • But their strategy was fouled up when the car’s occupants switched on the headlights, throwing a glare up the tote road along which the wardens had planned to sprint.
    — Dave Duffey, Outdoor Life, 26 Mar. 2026
Definition of glare
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
  • At the compact 22-room S Paul Hotel in Lemesos's old town, an ancient olive tree grows in the courtyard, and brass and metal accents give the cocoon-like Lux Bar an Art Deco sheen.
    — Selina Denman, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Jamun Glaze adds warmth and dimension with a subtle sheen that catches the light beautifully.
    — Sarah Felbin, Allure, 30 Mar. 2026
Definition of sheen
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

Browse Nearby Words

shilly-shallying
shimmer
shimmered
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Cite this Entry

“Shimmer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shimmer. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on shimmer

Nglish: Translation of shimmer for Spanish Speakers

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