1
as in glows
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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2
as in gleams
to shoot forth bursts of light
the crystal sparkled in the sunlight
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sparkles
Brooke Park, San Francisco Chronicle, 14 Mar. 2026
In the doc Margolyes sparkles when in company, whether that be royalty, celeb, or Director Simon.
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 24 Feb. 2026
The hotel sparkles like a gem set in an island paradise.
—José Cantillo Ferrer, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026
The natural grass field sparkles with lush green and football lines painted onto the surface.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Yet the primary bath, where a parade of midcentury Italian and Austrian lighting sparkles against an expanse of dramatic Paonazzo marble, is somehow even dreamier.
—David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 21 Jan. 2026
Additionally, hometown hero and skier Gus Kenworthy acts as host for the entire week, which features events like the blow-out White Party, a drag and burlesque show with both national and local talent, and the Glitter Ball where anything that sparkles is in fashion.
—Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 13 Jan. 2026
The sunshine sparkles upon the ripples of the gently moving water, which is clear and colored like tea by natural plant tannins.
—Amy Green, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
Here, Mock shares the mistakes that are standing between you and a bathroom that truly sparkles.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
The drawing depicts Yosemite Falls in graphite, ink, chalk and charcoal on paper that sparkles.
—Brooke Park, San Francisco Chronicle, 14 Mar. 2026
In the doc Margolyes sparkles when in company, whether that be royalty, celeb, or Director Simon.
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 24 Feb. 2026
The hotel sparkles like a gem set in an island paradise.
—José Cantillo Ferrer, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026
The natural grass field sparkles with lush green and football lines painted onto the surface.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Yet the primary bath, where a parade of midcentury Italian and Austrian lighting sparkles against an expanse of dramatic Paonazzo marble, is somehow even dreamier.
—David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 21 Jan. 2026
Additionally, hometown hero and skier Gus Kenworthy acts as host for the entire week, which features events like the blow-out White Party, a drag and burlesque show with both national and local talent, and the Glitter Ball where anything that sparkles is in fashion.
—Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 13 Jan. 2026
The sunshine sparkles upon the ripples of the gently moving water, which is clear and colored like tea by natural plant tannins.
—Amy Green, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
Here, Mock shares the mistakes that are standing between you and a bathroom that truly sparkles.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 6 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sparkles
Verb
-
Hundreds of monarch butterflies are painted across the translucent panels, and when sunlight shines through, the structure glows in rich amber tones.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 Apr. 2026
-
There’s a small LED indicator on the top of the device that pulses white when the sensor is ready for setup, briefly glows red when motion is detected, and briefly flashes green and blue during a reset.—
John R. Delaney,
PC Magazine,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Like Beckham’s dress, the 100-percent silk dress softly gleams in the light.—
Izzy Baskette,
PEOPLE,
12 Dec. 2025
-
Despite a couple of funky skips, the album is fueled by the hunger of an artist who really wants the pop life again, perking up electro-scuzz and arena rock with new wave that gleams like glitter.—
Pitchfork,
Pitchfork,
4 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
This sparks all kinds of adverse reaction, mainly from McCarthy’s snotty pals and girlfriends, a tribe so fiercely materialistic and shallow as to make current Less Than Zero-types seem well rounded by comparison.—
Duane Byrge,
HollywoodReporter,
31 Mar. 2026
-
The Leo moon sparks your restless desires for fun and adventure.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The glass shatters with a spray that shimmers in the lantern light.—
Danielle Parker,
CBS News,
27 Feb. 2026
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Leo July 23 – August 22 Your horizon shimmers with practical promise.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
But, there will be progress, if not twinkles of excitement.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Perch yourself in the Hollywood Hills and watch as the city twinkles below at night.—
Erika Owen,
Architectural Digest,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Your generous heart shines brighter when your schedule reflects your soul rather than proving yourself at any cost.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
3 Apr. 2026
-
But the current crisis shines a giant spotlight on the fragility of an economic system where global stability is inherently tied to the uninterrupted flow of oil.—
Laura Paddison,
CNN Money,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
An hour goes by, and then, through a slit in the curtains, Miley Cyrus flashes a smile and tips her oversize black sunglasses.—
Ethan Shanfeld,
Variety,
18 Mar. 2026
-
After following the characters from high school to college, the series flashes forward five years for the finale with one final gut-punch.—
Will Harris,
Entertainment Weekly,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Soft breezes ripple through the sea grapes, and sunlight glints off the aquamarine shallows that surround Bahia Honda State Park.—
Carrie Honaker,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sparkles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sparkles. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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