1
as in to sparkle
to give off sparks
the broken radio sparked and smoked the instant it was plugged in
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to trigger
to cause to function
interesting questions that are designed to spark the reader's brain
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to provoke
to rouse to strong feeling or action
President Kennedy's inspirational speeches sparked a generation of young idealists to enter the public arena
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in glimmer
a very small amount
not a spark of interest in the actress's memoirs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 spark
Ronda Kaysen, New York Times, 2 June 2025
This aggressive approach, which includes dismissing court cases to facilitate detention, has sparked outrage, especially after reports emerged of children being restrained with zip ties during courthouse detentions.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025
Drew Vonscio, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
Shohei Ohtani provided an early spark, hitting a leadoff home run for the second straight game to take the MLB lead with 19 long balls.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for spark
Verb
Then on April 2, President Trump rolled out his expansive global trade tariffs, shocking the stock and bond markets and sparking fears of a recession.
—Ronda Kaysen, New York Times, 2 June 2025
This aggressive approach, which includes dismissing court cases to facilitate detention, has sparked outrage, especially after reports emerged of children being restrained with zip ties during courthouse detentions.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025
Noun
Bringing back a fan favorite in Hoskins is a move that makes all the sense in the world for the Phillies to provide a spark in the lineup.
—Drew Vonscio, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
Shohei Ohtani provided an early spark, hitting a leadoff home run for the second straight game to take the MLB lead with 19 long balls.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for spark
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spark
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
Verb
-
While no breakthroughs were predicted or expected, the leaders reached a consensus in several areas to increase currency stability, restore growth without triggering new inflation, and reduce trade barriers.—
Robert Hormats,
Time,
10 June 2025
-
His tweets and public statements have frequently triggered substantial price surges, establishing a direct correlation between his pronouncements and market performance.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
Verb
-
Negotiating with someone who is trying to provoke you is their tactic.—
John Baldoni,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2025
-
Daily life in the villa is punctuated by games and challenges, designed to reveal secrets, provoke drama and test the strength of relationships.—
Samantha Stutsman,
People.com,
29 May 2025
Noun
-
Sinner gave him almost no chances, but there was a glimmer of light in the 10th game, when Djokovic had four chances to break Sinner’s serve.—
Jerome Pugmire,
Los Angeles Times,
6 June 2025
-
The shoes and matching Bon Bon bag added a splash of color and glimmer to the look.—
Karla Rodriguez,
Footwear News,
2 June 2025
Verb
-
How to Use: Start with a fresh canvas—exfoliate the day before to sweep away dead skin and prep for a smooth, even glow.—
Jenny Berg,
Vogue,
2 June 2025
-
Saturn will glow in the sky to the right, and the sparkly Pleiades star cluster will be visible just to the pair’s left.—
Stephanie Vermillion,
Travel + Leisure,
2 June 2025
Verb
-
None of them had their body cameras activated, a violation of department policy.—
Shira Moolten,
Sun Sentinel,
5 June 2025
-
Rocker had been dominant in two rehab outings prior to being activated on Wednesday.—
Compiled From Wire Reports,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 June 2025
Verb
-
The charity tennis tournament was organized in his memory to raise money for Charlotte local mental health charities and, crucially, to encourage open conversations about mental health, especially among men, who often feel pressure to hide their struggles.—
Ace The Stigma Foundation,
Charlotte Observer,
6 June 2025
-
After Trump’s call with Xi, the US president said he was encouraged that ongoing trade tensions could soon be resolved.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
6 June 2025
Noun
-
In a shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, and triple sec with a splash of jalapeño simple syrup.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 June 2025
-
Blend frozen watermelon with a splash of lime juice to make watermelon slushies.—
Sherri Gordon,
Health,
11 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spark.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spark. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share