1
2
as in triggered
to cause to function
interesting questions that are designed to spark the reader's brain
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in provoked
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sparked
The war has sparked worldwide protests and brought accusations of genocide that Israel denies.
—
Arkansas Online, 11 Feb. 2026
Chopra Jonas sparked twice as much buzz as her titular co-stars based on volume, headlines and quoting intensity.
—Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 11 Feb. 2026
The Horned Frogs were reeling, down 28-19 with less than four minutes remaining, when Robinson sparked a 10-2 run that changed the direction of the game.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Feb. 2026
DeepMind’s big reorg This philosophy drove a massive internal reorganization in 2023, sparked by the rise of competitors such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 11 Feb. 2026
Jeffrey Epstein has sparked a political crisis threatening the UK government.
—Ian King, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2026
Thornton and Angelina Jolie were married for three years, from May 2000 to 2003, and their coupling sparked a media frenzy at the time.
—James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026
That conversation forced Vittorini to take an honest look at himself and sparked a decision to change course.
—William Jones, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
The plan has sparked debate over the potential loss of hundreds of parking spaces.
—Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026
Arkansas Online, 11 Feb. 2026
Chopra Jonas sparked twice as much buzz as her titular co-stars based on volume, headlines and quoting intensity.
—Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 11 Feb. 2026
The Horned Frogs were reeling, down 28-19 with less than four minutes remaining, when Robinson sparked a 10-2 run that changed the direction of the game.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Feb. 2026
DeepMind’s big reorg This philosophy drove a massive internal reorganization in 2023, sparked by the rise of competitors such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 11 Feb. 2026
Jeffrey Epstein has sparked a political crisis threatening the UK government.
—Ian King, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2026
Thornton and Angelina Jolie were married for three years, from May 2000 to 2003, and their coupling sparked a media frenzy at the time.
—James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026
That conversation forced Vittorini to take an honest look at himself and sparked a decision to change course.
—William Jones, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
The plan has sparked debate over the potential loss of hundreds of parking spaces.
—Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sparked
Verb
-
Several diamond cocktail rings sparkled on her fingers.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
10 Feb. 2026
-
The goal posts are easily removable for storage, and the natural grass field sparkled, even if the game did not.—
Joe Davidson,
Sacbee.com,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Clearly, the historic performance — one that attempted to illuminate and celebrate the Latin community, people and their past — left her feeling triggered.—
Alexandra Del Rosario,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
-
While authorities said 11 of the 12 victims were killed in avalanches triggered by exceptionally unstable conditions on ungroomed backcountry slopes, The Associated Press reported a total of 13 deaths.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The refusal to be endlessly provoked.—
Joe Palaggi,
Twin Cities,
11 Feb. 2026
-
The law provoked fraught debates in Australia about technology use, privacy, child safety and mental health and has prompted other countries to consider similar measures.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The actress, also sharing the laughter, glowed in a sleeveless black dress layered with necklaces and bracelets, leaning in with a warm smile — the vibe appeared to be relaxed, romantic and very much coupled up.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
12 Feb. 2026
-
The festivities began with a tea reception at the Hotel Chelsea, where the storied hallways glowed with lamplight.—
Anna Grace Lee,
Vogue,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
She was accused on Monday of having accidentally activated a website for a future campaign to lead the Labour Party.—
Timothy Nerozzi,
The Washington Examiner,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Squirrel-proof bird feeders have openings that squirrels cannot reach into and, in some cases, they're activated by a bird landing on them.—
Heather Bien,
The Spruce,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Schwartz encouraged the public to be active participants in community science.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Organizers encouraged people to join to stand together in love, peace and prayer.—
Laurie Perez,
CBS News,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
GloRilla flashed some aggression and hustle, playing some timely defense to help lead Team Giannis (Antetokounmpo) to a 65-58 victory over Team Anthony (Anderson).—
Bob Mehr,
Memphis Commercial Appeal,
13 Feb. 2026
-
After the rhythm dance score for Chock and Bates flashed across the screen, her eyebrows shot up in surprise.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Employment in health care again drove payroll gains in January, adding 82,000 jobs.—
Rachel Barber,
USA Today,
12 Feb. 2026
-
His latest model, the Nike Ja 3, has drawn significant praise for a more radical design than its two predecessors and drove him to becoming StockX‘s second bestselling signature athlete.—
Ian Servantes,
Footwear News,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sparked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sparked. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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