sparkle 1 of 2

1
as in to glow
to give off sparks while fireworks that sparkle may be entertaining to look at, they can be highly dangerous when used indoors

Synonyms & Similar Words

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sparkle

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb sparkle contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of sparkle are flash, gleam, glimmer, glint, glisten, glitter, and shimmer. While all these words mean "to send forth light," sparkle suggests innumerable moving points of bright light.

the sparkling waters

Where would flash be a reasonable alternative to sparkle?

While the synonyms flash and sparkle are close in meaning, flash implies a sudden outburst of bright light.

lightning flashed

When might gleam be a better fit than sparkle?

Although the words gleam and sparkle have much in common, gleam suggests a steady light seen through an obscuring medium or against a dark background.

lights gleamed in the valley

When is glimmer a more appropriate choice than sparkle?

The words glimmer and sparkle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, glimmer suggests a faint or wavering gleam.

a distant glimmering light

In what contexts can glint take the place of sparkle?

In some situations, the words glint and sparkle are roughly equivalent. However, glint implies a cold glancing light.

glinting steel

When would glisten be a good substitute for sparkle?

The meanings of glisten and sparkle largely overlap; however, glisten applies to the soft sparkle from a wet or oily surface.

glistening wet sidewalk

When can glitter be used instead of sparkle?

The words glitter and sparkle can be used in similar contexts, but glitter connotes a brilliant sparkling or gleaming.

glittering diamonds

When is it sensible to use shimmer instead of sparkle?

While in some cases nearly identical to sparkle, shimmer means shining with a wavering light.

a shimmering satin dress

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 sparkle
Verb
Customers are replacing orange juice with teas, sparkling water, sports drinks, energy drinks and other beverages that claim to be healthier or offer functional benefits like improved immune systems or energy levels, analysts say. Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN, 26 Feb. 2025 For those individuals, sparkling coffee may serve as a healthier option. Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 20 Feb. 2025
Noun
So far, this year's attendees have embraced dramatic silhouettes and a whole lot of sparkle. Glamour, 2 Mar. 2025 Think stones, texture, pearls, and sometimes a bit of sparkle for the more daring of the lot. Mekaylah Yowpp-Hernacki, Vogue, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sparkle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sparkle
Verb
  • In order to achieve a flawless, glowing complexion, Scarlett used facial cleansers, mists, hydrating masks and moisturizers.
    Alison Escalante, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
  • The Funghi lantern from Charlap Hyman & Herrero, hand-painted by artist Pilar Almon, glows like an orange moon, casting a halo over the 1970s French Shogun coffee table by Roger Capron and the vintage Tuareg mat from North Africa.
    Vaishnavi Nayel Talawadekar, Architectural Digest, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • From gleaming marble countertops to pristine wood flooring, even the slightest imperfections can impact a property’s value.
    Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2025
  • At the Museum of Clocks, also in Chengdu, textural red brickwork alludes more to the area’s humble past than a gleaming future.
    Oscar Holland, CNN, 4 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The cruelty-free brand’s Nude Mood palette is a total must-have, offering a mix of warm, neutral shades that range from silky mattes to subtle shimmers—perfect for creating every eye look from soft and natural to bold and smoky.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2025
  • The Pocahontas gown incorporates earthy almond and sand tones, while Snow White shimmers in ivory and mocha, and Ariel in iridescent pearl.
    Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 11 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The low-profile scissor keys feel nice to type on, and there's a convenient shortcut row for functions like volume, screen brightness, emoji, and more.
    Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 28 Feb. 2025
  • The golden yellow hue injects energy and brightness to entryways, kitchens, and social spaces, and layering it with the cool, crisp white hue makes for a fresh and airy color scheme perfect for spring.
    Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The week ahead will shine a light on both, with more tariffs supposedly set to kick in and fresh jobs data on the way.
    Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 2 Mar. 2025
  • That paradox defines so much of the ongoing story: the more hype that circulates about lesser tokens, the more bitcoin’s steady fundamentals shine.
    Dave Birnbaum, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • In a recent photoshoot, Willis, 36, slipped into the glittering gold bikini that Moore famously wore in the 1996 film Striptease.
    Sabienna Bowman, People.com, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Hours earlier, a glittering guest list of 300 had gathered for the inaugural Le Grand Dîner du Louvre, a first-of-its-kind black-tie affair held inside the world’s most famous museum.
    Kristen Bateman, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • He’s always got a twinkle in his eye during sketches and makes everyone around him have more fun.
    Andy Hoglund, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2025
  • Shaded picnic tables twinkle with Edison string lights overhead, and a huge wood-burning fireplace adds kick-back ambience.
    Catherine Dunwoody, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The loud bag added a bit of pizzazz to a neutral look without going overboard.
    Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Relish? More than one Southern chef mentioned cranberry relish, which looks a lot like homemade cranberry sauce with a little extra pizzazz.
    Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 24 Nov. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Sparkle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sparkle. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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