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glisten

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb glisten contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of glisten are flash, gleam, glimmer, glint, glitter, shimmer, and sparkle. While all these words mean "to send forth light," glisten applies to the soft sparkle from a wet or oily surface.

glistening wet sidewalk

When would flash be a good substitute for glisten?

The words flash and glisten can be used in similar contexts, but flash implies a sudden outburst of bright light.

lightning flashed

When could gleam be used to replace glisten?

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

lights gleamed in the valley

Where would glimmer be a reasonable alternative to glisten?

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

a distant glimmering light

When might glint be a better fit than glisten?

While in some cases nearly identical to glisten, glint implies a cold glancing light.

glinting steel

When is it sensible to use glitter instead of glisten?

The meanings of glitter and glisten largely overlap; however, glitter connotes a brilliant sparkling or gleaming.

glittering diamonds

When can shimmer be used instead of glisten?

While the synonyms shimmer and glisten are close in meaning, shimmer means shining with a wavering light.

a shimmering satin dress

In what contexts can sparkle take the place of glisten?

The synonyms sparkle and glisten are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 glisten
Verb
Her long, pointy nails glisten just as much, as do her lips, which are coated in Charlotte Tilbury Big Lip Plumpgasm in Nudegasm Diamonds. Marci Robin, Allure, 5 May 2025 In retrospect, Cassidy would understand that Brianna was high, radiantly high, her skin luminous with heat and her glassy eyes glistening. Joyce Carol Oates, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025
Noun
Two decades on, the millennial glisten has given way to organic austerity; the dominant tones are now ocher and umber, turmeric and coffee. Martha Schwendener, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2024 As the twinkle of bulbous holiday ornaments fade away, the gilded glisten of the 2024 Golden Globes arrives, and EW has some bold predictions for winners in the major categories that could be handed out during Sunday's ceremony. Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 5 Jan. 2024 See All Example Sentences for glisten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for glisten
Verb
  • Ranging from $45 to $55, the eight art prints in the capsule feature pre-framed designs that gleam with silver and gold foil detailing.
    Kelly Dawson, Architectural Digest, 24 June 2025
  • The gleaming family-style kitchen that's both welcoming and chic.
    Elizabeth Hutchison Hicklin, Southern Living, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • The sunscreen’s lightweight formula gives my skin a radiant glow instead of a chalky finish.
    Clara McMahon, People.com, 28 June 2025
  • To execute his signature summer glow, Turner reaches for Chanel Les Beiges Water Tint for fresh, sheer coverage.
    Larry Stansbury, Essence, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • The chandelier in the lobby — a shimmering, 700-pound Murano glass cloud — sets the tone: elegant, extravagant, quietly theatrical.
    Rooksana Hossenally, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
  • Every May, Miami’s streets get an extra dose of vibrant colors, shimmering fabrics, and glistening skin as brands, models, influencers, and fashion lovers congregate for a celebration of swimwear and resortwear.
    Victoria Montalti, Refinery29, 3 June 2025
Noun
  • The man opened his hand, and the stadium lights reflected, at last, on a glint of silver.
    Jason Anthony, The Atlantic, 14 June 2025
  • There are also some unexpected turns, like Glinda walking down the aisle toward Fiyero and a glint of Dorothy's silver shoes, moments not found in the stage version.
    EW.com, EW.com, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • Out of darkness, can come light, so let that light shine bright.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2025
  • There are laughs, certainly, and plenty of visual spectacle, but the real surprise is how gently the film treats its young protagonist's emotional life, allowing moments of silence and softness to shine amid the cosmic chaos.
    Scott Snowden, Space.com, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • Gravina’s praise for his temperament amid the media glare also left one with the impression that the FIGC president can’t be on social media, where the reels of Gattuso’s press conference shenanigans have guaranteed virality.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 20 June 2025
  • There are protectors that serve many different purposes, such as protecting your TV screen from cracks, reducing glare on your screen and protecting your TV from the elements. TV surface protection Most people who are buying a TV screen protector are looking for surface protection.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • Earlier pressings of this record sounded muddy and boxed in, but here, the piano sparkles and the guitar cuts.
    Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 19 June 2025
  • Littell has been sparkling in that area with a mark of 1.07.
    Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • Telehealth offers a glimmer of a solution, but as everyone who’s tried to show off a concerning mole to a doctor via a smartphone camera knows: Video technology can only get you so far.
    Christopher Null, Wired News, 19 June 2025
  • For travelers, Christchurch Airport offers a glimmer of hope.
    Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Glisten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/glisten. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

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