sparks 1 of 2

Definition of sparksnext
present tense third-person singular of spark
1
as in sparkles
to give off sparks the broken radio sparked and smoked the instant it was plugged in

Synonyms & Similar Words

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sparks

2 of 2

noun

plural of spark

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 sparks
Verb
Distillation sparks dispute The letter also challenges calls to restrict AI distillation, a technique that trains one model using another model’s outputs. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 July 2026 While proponents highlight their potential for companionship, addressing issues like loneliness, this technology sparks profound ethical debates. Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026 Yet instead of providing clarity, his surprise succession plan sparks confusion and frustration among the McBee family, all while emotions run high ahead of his surrender. Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026 One of Robert De Niro’s most underrated performances is his portrayal of the title character in 1990’s Stanley & Iris, a short-order cook who sparks a romance with a waitress played by Jane Fonda. Liza Lentini, SPIN, 21 July 2026 Mamdani sparks online frenzy as 'absurd' housing claim is floated at 'freak show' event. FOXNews.com, 17 July 2026 So be sure to explore it and pick up what sparks your interest. Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 15 July 2026 The destruction of unsold inventory is an open secret in fashion, even though exposure of the practice inevitably sparks public outrage. Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 14 July 2026 Schedule a workshop, outline a creative lesson, or give yourself a focused block to explore something that sparks curiosity. Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 July 2026
Noun
Fires can be caused by sparks from agricultural machinery, lightning strikes, an errant cigarette or even intentional arson. ABC News, 24 July 2026 These bottles are made of metal; trying to warm liquids inside them in a microwave causes sparks to fly. Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2026 Even sparks or embers carried by the wind can ignite nearby leaves or grass, triggering a fire that spreads rapidly. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026 Some such sparks came from lightning that passed through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and others areas of the Superior National Forest last week. Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, 14 July 2026 For folks simply eager to hear Future do his thing, the first half of The Real Me offers some sparks. Mosi Reeves, Rolling Stone, 14 July 2026 The risk of all this is that Ebola becomes endemic, continually threatening millions in Central Africa while periodically casting sparks into the rest of the world. Allison Deangelis, STAT, 7 July 2026 Masses of young people ages 15 to 25 packed the sand around the Newport Pier, lighting off fireworks that sent sparks into crowds. Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026 As the car passed over the pyrotechnic, colorful sparks and flames emerged from the device. Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sparks
Verb
  • Shakira sparkles during her World Cup halftime show performance in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19.
    Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026
  • The humor — especially in terms of the comedic timing — absolutely sparkles in this production helmed by director Charles Pasternak.
    Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 17 July 2026
Verb
  • Inhaling these particles triggers inflammation, increasing risks of cardiovascular complications and stroke, particularly for vulnerable populations like children, older adults, and those with chronic conditions.
    Jamie Gold, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • Many couples pick a dollar amount that triggers a conversation before either partner spends it, whether that is $100 or $500.
    Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 21 July 2026
Verb
  • In my own research, threatening a man’s sense of manhood – but not a woman’s womanhood – reliably provokes aggression, and the men who react most strongly are those who feel the most pressure to live up to masculine ideals.
    Adam Stanaland, The Conversation, 20 July 2026
  • However, his light-hearted approach provokes the hostility of the church.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 17 July 2026
Noun
  • Four-poster beds and traditional wicker and mahogany interiors preserve the building’s original beauty, while splashes of color in the artwork and brightly hued soft furnishings add character.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 2026
  • Spread a sheet of plastic or cloth over the porch if needed to protect the surface from splashes.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 18 July 2026
Verb
  • Your 1st House of Identity glows as the intuitive Moon conjoins loving Venus in your sign, making your presence more noticeable than usual.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2026
  • Transamerica Pyramid looks almost close enough to touch; Coit Tower glows faintly in the distance.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 July 2026
Verb
  • All is saved, until Kripke kills Raj — and the device then activates, taking Stuart, Bert and Kripke to another universe.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 24 July 2026
  • What most people read as refusal is closer to a defense mechanism the mind adopted long before this particular disagreement started, one that activates faster than any deliberate choice could.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Verb
  • The fish were illegally introduced in the 1970s, so the agency encourages anglers to pursue the game fish and keep their catches.
    Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 23 July 2026
  • The European Union has banned AI that encourages dangerous behavior in vulnerable groups like children, and mandated transparency requirements for other chatbots.
    Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 23 July 2026
Noun
  • But there are glimmers of romance, too, courtesy of Hollis’ childhood boyfriend Jack, played by Timothy Olyphant.
    Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • And, notes Fredriksen, in the big picture disasters of the Anthropocene, even glimmers are important.
    Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 6 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sparks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sparks. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

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