sparkle 1 of 2

Definition of sparklenext
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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2

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
While Messi sparkled, Portugal's aging star Cristiano Ronaldo had what can only be described as a terrible 1-1 opener against the Democratic Republic of Congo. Russell Lewis, NPR, 22 June 2026 Nathan Eovaldi sparkled for five of his six innings after the Texas right-hander's start was pushed back a day because of left knee soreness. CBS News, 21 June 2026
Noun
Reflective materials can help distribute light throughout a room and create subtle visual sparkle. Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 16 June 2026 Check out Bond's current offerings on Moda Operandi, including pieces that caught our eye like the Mystic necklace, a tassel-like beaded number that's great for adding sparkle to your décolletage, or the Ophelia earrings, a truly unique set of dangling amethyst beauties. Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sparkle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sparkle
Verb
  • In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, wildlife biologist Forrest Galante embarks on a nationwide quest to find the nation’s most bizarre and dangerous alien sharks – from glowing swell sharks to elusive sawfish – proving the ultimate shark adventure is right here at home.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 18 June 2026
  • The speakeasy-style room glows with a gold-leaf ceiling, ochre velvet sofas, and an extravagant cocktail menu.
    Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 18 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
  • The shimmer catches the light in all the right places—think collarbones, shoulders, and shins—while the summery scent options evoke beach days with notes like coconut, sunflower, and pineapple.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 19 June 2026
  • The taupe shade is enhanced with an eye-catching shimmer that instantly elevates any outfit, while the original contoured footbed provides all-day support.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • Astronomers repeatedly attempted to fit subtle shifts in the brightness of T CrB to the few points of reliable historical data on offer, while accounting for fluctuations in the white dwarf's feeding rate.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 23 June 2026
  • Green, in soft shades from sage to pistachio, is a new neutral that adds nice brightness to a spring wardrobe.
    Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • In interviews, Cannelle has spoken about wanting to represent her country and make French cool, and CINNA shines on this front, infusing sounds popularized by the likes of Justice and Yelle with fresh humor and personality.
    Lydia Wei, Pitchfork, 23 June 2026
  • Scaloni has built a team around Messi, compensating for his talisman's waning physical attributes to maximise the technical ability that still shines so brightly.
    Chris Evans, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • In the herb garden beside her home on Colorado Avenue, Cathi Murray digs through the soil and pulls out two glittering black rocks.
    Christiana Freitag, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2026
  • An Indigenous couple pay a visit to another makeshift cross, mist rises from a waterfall, and mountains rear up, first green, then brown, and finally glittering white.
    Susan Tallman, The Atlantic, 13 June 2026
Noun
  • In the evening, the entire space is crisscrossed with twinkle lights.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 11 June 2026
  • Perhaps there was not quite the same twinkle in their eyes or pep in their step.
    Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • Add polka dots, sparkles and chrome powder to each nail for some extra pizzazz.
    Odeya Pinkus, InStyle, 22 June 2026
  • Use flowering shrubs such as hydrangeas and lilacs, aromatic herbs such as lavender, and plants with interesting foliage to add pizzazz to your arrangements.
    Viveka Neveln, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sparkle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sparkle. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

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