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glitter

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb glitter contrast with its synonyms?

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

glittering diamonds

When might flash be a better fit than glitter?

The synonyms flash and glitter are sometimes interchangeable, but flash implies a sudden outburst of bright light.

lightning flashed

Where would gleam be a reasonable alternative to glitter?

The words gleam and glitter 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 would glimmer be a good substitute for glitter?

In some situations, the words glimmer and glitter are roughly equivalent. However, glimmer suggests a faint or wavering gleam.

a distant glimmering light

In what contexts can glint take the place of glitter?

The meanings of glint and glitter largely overlap; however, glint implies a cold glancing light.

glinting steel

When is it sensible to use glisten instead of glitter?

Although the words glisten and glitter have much in common, glisten applies to the soft sparkle from a wet or oily surface.

glistening wet sidewalk

When can shimmer be used instead of glitter?

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

a shimmering satin dress

When is sparkle a more appropriate choice than glitter?

The words sparkle and glitter 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 glitter
Verb
For the event, the singer wore a glittering silver mini dress with ruffle detailing and a flouncy hemline, while Lima went simple in a long-sleeve, open-back LBD. Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 25 Apr. 2025 The Brazilian was also very personally wealthy, having cleverly used his name and connections made during his glittering playing career, which included those Ballon d’Or wins in 1997 and 2002. Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
Welcome to the Golden Years All that glitters is gold — at least, today’s markets seem to think so. Quartz Staff, Quartz, 22 Apr. 2025 The diamonds compliment the glitter in the aventurine dial, a material that can sometimes look dark on a watch dial, especially surrounded by a dark case material. Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 1 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for glitter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for glitter
Verb
  • The publication’s mascot, Eustace Tilley, is, after all, defined by accessories: his gleaming top hat, crisp white gloves, and dandyish monocle are all totems of both persnickety good taste and the febrile effort behind chasing it.
    Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 4 May 2025
  • En route from the gleaming airport terminal to our hotel in Lhasa, the nearly empty freeway and unoccupied high-rise apartments spoke to China’s massive investments in developing infrastructure in Tibet.
    Steven Jiang, CNN Money, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • On the brilliant blue Aegean, the mineral-rich sand shimmers, the sun beams, and a wealthy, generally American clientele hides out in huge monochrome marble and mosaic pool suites that cling to ochre bluffs on the isle of Ios.
    Lee Cobaj, Robb Report, 1 May 2025
  • Bronzed Smokey Eye & Nude Lip: How-To: Start with a bronzed eyeshadow blended into the crease, deep brown smoke along the lash line, and a pop of shimmer on the lid.
    India Espy-Jones, Essence, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • And then there’s the emotional, irrational lift of gilt and glory, the baroque architecture, the Renaissance art, the history stretching back to Jesus and Saint Peter.
    Howard Chua-Eoan, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025
  • The 30-year gilt yield soared up to 30 basis points at one point, marking a fresh 27-year high, and was last up 25 basis points.
    Chloe Taylor,Jenni Reid, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Original price: $68 Try the Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Eau de Toilette for a classic scent that is casual and breezy, with sparkling fruity-floral notes.
    Nora Colomer may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 2 May 2025
  • His early Met Gala get-ups were festooned with sparkling diamond brooches.
    Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 2 May 2025
Noun
  • What sets this place apart (besides the mini movie theater and thoughtful layout) is the private garden, complete with twinkle lights, lounge seating, and a leafy canopy perfect for slow breakfasts or late-night wine.
    Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 1 May 2025
  • Francine Kiefer/The Christian Science Monitor The two friends have stopped to talk on Carriage House Road, where the crowning jewel of the holiday light show stands – a three-level property where every inch twinkles, right up to the tops of the palm trees.
    Francine Kiefer, The Christian Science Monitor, 19 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • His shot was well struck… but flashed just past the far post.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 2 May 2025
  • The movie’s closing credits flash the original title Thunderbolts* on screen, then tears away the word like a comic book page, revealing the squad’s new moniker.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 2 May 2025
Noun
  • The glint of the sun, gleaming light, on the tops, and shadow, darkness in the troughs.
    Casey Cep, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The light from the lake glints through the windows and falls across Marcus’s face.
    Rachel Raposas, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • As with tailoring, linen is also king of the summer shirt: this palm tree embroidery from Frescobol x MyTheresa ($305) or this vibrant Paeonia print from OB ($525) will bring the right amount of life and energy to my looks, either alone or toned down with the suiting.
    Nick Hendry, Robb Report, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Her practice spans painting, installation, textile and video, often incorporating collaborative craft traditions that are at risk of disappearing, such as embroidery with women artisans in West Bali.
    Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Glitter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/glitter. Accessed 13 May. 2025.

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