glimmer 1 of 2

Definition of glimmernext

glimmer

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb glimmer contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of glimmer are flash, gleam, glint, glisten, glitter, shimmer, and sparkle. While all these words mean "to send forth light," glimmer suggests a faint or wavering gleam.

a distant glimmering light

Where would flash be a reasonable alternative to glimmer?

In some situations, the words flash and glimmer are roughly equivalent. However, flash implies a sudden outburst of bright light.

lightning flashed

When could gleam be used to replace glimmer?

The words gleam and glimmer can be used in similar contexts, but gleam suggests a steady light seen through an obscuring medium or against a dark background.

lights gleamed in the valley

When is it sensible to use glint instead of glimmer?

The synonyms glint and glimmer are sometimes interchangeable, but glint implies a cold glancing light.

glinting steel

In what contexts can glisten take the place of glimmer?

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

glistening wet sidewalk

When is glitter a more appropriate choice than glimmer?

While the synonyms glitter and glimmer are close in meaning, glitter connotes a brilliant sparkling or gleaming.

glittering diamonds

When would shimmer be a good substitute for glimmer?

Although the words shimmer and glimmer have much in common, shimmer means shining with a wavering light.

a shimmering satin dress

When can sparkle be used instead of glimmer?

The words sparkle and glimmer are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sparkle suggests innumerable moving points of bright light.

the sparkling waters

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 glimmer
Noun
There are glimmers in her eyes, pleasant memories quietly unfurling. Joseph Trinidad, Longreads, 16 June 2026 After the game, with the glimmer of tears in their eyes, the New Yorker editor David Remnick and Vinson Cunningham celebrated the win, and were joined by Louisa Thomas, who managed a bit more equanimity. The New Yorker, New Yorker, 14 June 2026
Verb
Uranus is high in the southern sky near the Pleiades star cluster, and vivid Jupiter glimmers up in the east. Stephanie Vermillion, Outside, 18 Feb. 2026 From ancient autopsy rooms to glimmering Gothic chapels, and medieval manuscripts to dark Baroque libraries, Europe’s universities can provide an intimate setting to experience some of history’s most impressive artifacts. Rick Steves, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for glimmer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for glimmer
Noun
  • Just One is a cooperative word game where duplicate hints get eliminated.
    Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 23 June 2026
  • These flavors follow through on the palate with additional elements of savory sandstone, pomegranate, and a hint of salinity.
    Liz Thach, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • Esports pros looking specifically for a feathery, quick flicker will be pleased; our favorite deluxe esports model, Razer's Basilisk V3 Pro 35K, weighs more than three times as much.
    Alice Jovanee, PC Magazine, 20 June 2026
  • In that space, where women are discussed in real time and opinions flicker faster than context can form, Bebe Rexha understands how quickly perception turns into narrative.
    Desjah Altvater, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • With sunbeams gleaming downward, reflecting off of the spacecraft's hull, the Dragon can be seen backing away from the station mere moments after undocking from the port on the station's Harmony module.
    Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 23 June 2026
  • Shortly before the World Cup trophy is placed into the hands of one team’s triumphant captain at MetLife Stadium on July 19, a gleaming Golden Boot award will be presented to the tournament’s top scorer.
    Jack Bantock, CNN Money, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • Use Natural Deterrents From Your Pantry To keep the rodents out of your yard for long periods, Schoenberg recommends sprinkling deterrents like hot cayenne, garlic, apple cider, peppermint, or coffee grounds around your plants and gardens.
    Nashia Baker, Martha Stewart, 25 June 2026
  • Peppers followed, along with a healthy sprinkling of spices.
    Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • Vernaccia di San Gimignano, the region's only white DOCG, has now mostly shaken its reputation for blandness and its best growers are making fresh, saline expressions with shimmering delicacy.
    Paul Caputo, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
  • The ready-to-wear runway collection, which ultimately became some of Gianni Versace's final designs before his death, spotlighted a lineup of shimmering garments and elegant two-piece sets.
    Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • The rest of the band followed his lead, particularly Green, a relentless head-banger, dropping to her knees to become one with the feedback and leaning back into beatific shred-faces.
    Steve Knopper, Rolling Stone, 26 June 2026
  • There's one day left of food in the fridge, a flood in the basement, a hole in the ceiling and a group of people who are clinging to the last shreds of hope for the future.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • Currently in London while her fiancé Harry Styles performs 12 days at Wembley Stadium as part of his Together, Together tour, Kravitz made time to attend a very British garden party in the blazing sun—looking every bit of a bride-to-be, and flashing her engagement ring in the process.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 25 June 2026
  • WSo what happens if lightning starts flashing during a World Cup match in KC?
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • Strain into a tall glass over fresh ice, and add a splash of soda, stirring gently to integrate.
    Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 27 June 2026
  • Mayor Zohran Mamdani and members of the NYC Parks Department kicked off the weekend with a splash and jumped into Thomas Jefferson Pool in East Harlem to celebrate the opening.
    Noelle Lilley, CBS News, 27 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Glimmer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/glimmer. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

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