1
as in sparkling
to give off sparks
the broken radio sparked and smoked the instant it was plugged in
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in triggering
to cause to function
interesting questions that are designed to spark the reader's brain
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in provoking
to rouse to strong feeling or action
President Kennedy's inspirational speeches sparked a generation of young idealists to enter the public arena
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sparking
In July, two Russian Gerbera drones -- one of which was carrying more than 4 pounds of explosives -- crossed into Lithuania from Belarus, sparking a national inquest as to the country's readiness to safeguard its airspace.
—
David Brennan, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2025
Instead of focusing only on top flyers, AAdvantage surprises mid-level customers with top-tier treatment, sparking aspiration and stronger engagement.
—Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
The conflict between Israel and Palestine was dividing friends, sparking tensions, and fueling rising acts of hostility.
—Rchin Bari, Boston Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
The case gained national attention when video of the traffic stop went viral online in July, sparking intense backlash against the sheriff’s office, which later released body camera footage of the incident.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
But instead of sparking a jobs boom, hiring has stalled — and industries most exposed to tariffs are losing workers.
—Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
It was widely reported in international media that James was the first NBA player to write an essay for Chinese state media, sparking some criticism of the Los Angeles Lakers forward.
—J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Continue reading … VISA GRAY ZONE – ICE raids Georgia Hyundai battery plant, sparking a firestorm with South Korea.
—FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2025
The couple briefly split, sparking breakup rumors after fans noticed the two had unfollowed each other on social media.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 9 Sep. 2025
David Brennan, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2025
Instead of focusing only on top flyers, AAdvantage surprises mid-level customers with top-tier treatment, sparking aspiration and stronger engagement.
—Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
The conflict between Israel and Palestine was dividing friends, sparking tensions, and fueling rising acts of hostility.
—Rchin Bari, Boston Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
The case gained national attention when video of the traffic stop went viral online in July, sparking intense backlash against the sheriff’s office, which later released body camera footage of the incident.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
But instead of sparking a jobs boom, hiring has stalled — and industries most exposed to tariffs are losing workers.
—Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
It was widely reported in international media that James was the first NBA player to write an essay for Chinese state media, sparking some criticism of the Los Angeles Lakers forward.
—J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Continue reading … VISA GRAY ZONE – ICE raids Georgia Hyundai battery plant, sparking a firestorm with South Korea.
—FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2025
The couple briefly split, sparking breakup rumors after fans noticed the two had unfollowed each other on social media.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sparking
Verb
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Zero Proof package includes zero-proof cocktails, alcohol-free sparkling wine and beer, sodas, juices, still and sparkling bottled water, specialty coffees, milkshakes and more.—
Nathan Diller,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
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Like sparkling citrus that feels like late-summer light, warm vanilla and orchard tones for autumn’s cozy neutrals, and playful gourmand notes that give glossy, indulgent energy.—
Allure Editors,
Allure,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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An anonymous letter was mailed to local police and federal agencies, accusing individuals of gambling and triggering an investigation.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
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The latest summit was in the works before Pope Francis died in April, triggering the process to elect his successor.—
Antonia Mortensen,
CNN Money,
13 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Chris Young’s Beyond Earth column explores the intersection of space technology and policy, providing thought-provoking commentary on the latest advancements and regulatory developments in the sector.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Sep. 2025
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Follow Scheffler for destination stories, travel trends and thought-provoking conversations from the world of travel.—
Daniel Scheffler,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Inside, the minimalist lobby doubles as a gallery, and the in-house restaurant, The Hive, is dripping with sculptures of glowing honeycombs, kudzu vines, and swarms of bees.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
15 Sep. 2025
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The mural, which took nearly three years to complete, features glowing, starry skies punctuated by larger-than-life characters and magical landscapes that don’t exist in our realm.—
Devorah Lev-Tov,
AFAR Media,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Otherwise, the sheer magnitude of America’s natural gas resource has enabled drillers to quickly overwhelm temporary spikes in prices by activating a number of additional drillings and driving prices back down with higher production volumes.—
David Blackmon,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
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The stand's design holds the watch on its side, automatically activating Nightstand Mode and turning your watch into a bedside clock.—
Nora Colomer
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The immediacy and interactivity of social media platforms amplified the outrage, encouraging group mobilization.—
Nir Kshetri,
The Conversation,
14 Sep. 2025
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By encouraging curiosity, leaders and employees can move beyond surface-level use and unlock the full potential of the tools around them.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Nothing better than putting down the top and driving beautiful roads just after the rain stops and the air is powerfully charged by the nearby ocean, scrubbed clean.—
Mark Ewing,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
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The jury cleared Read of killing O’Keefe, charging her with just drunken driving.—
Lance Reynolds,
Boston Herald,
13 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Integrating dogs into the workplace can reduce the stress of worrying about them all day, and also potentially save employees money in monitoring cameras and stimulating activities when left home alone.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
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Ketamine works by stimulating the brain’s resilience mechanisms, according to Krystal.—
Rachel Hale,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sparking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sparking. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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