Synonyms of blinking

blinking

verb

present participle of blink

1

as in twinkling

to shine with light at regular intervals

she loves to sit in the dark and watch the lights on the Christmas tree blink in ever-changing patterns

Synonyms & Similar Words

• twinkling
• flashing
• flickering
• winking
• glinting
• glittering
• glistening
• sparkling
• shimmering
• glimmering
• flaring
• glancing
• sparking
• scintillating
• coruscating
• spangling
• glistering

2

as in squinting

to rapidly open and close one's eyes

I blinked for a few seconds after the camera flashed

Synonyms & Similar Words

• squinting
• winking
• fluttering
• batting

3

as in succumbing

to cease resistance (as to another's arguments, demands, or control)

for two days the nations stood on the brink of war, until one finally blinked

Synonyms & Similar Words

• succumbing
• submitting
• bowing
• conceding
• surrendering
• relenting
• budging
• yielding
• capitulating
• giving in
• quitting
• throwing in the towel
• knuckling under
• acquiescing
• saying uncle
• deferring

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• resisting
• fighting
• facing
• contending
• confronting
• opposing
• meeting
• objecting
• combating
• battling
• countering
• repelling
• defying
• holding off
• withstanding
• thwarting
• breasting

4

as in staring

to look long and hard in wonder or surprise

stood blinking at the ridiculous scene before him in utter disbelief

Synonyms & Similar Words

• staring
• gazing
• gawking
• peering
• gaping
• glaring
• goggling
• gawping
• rubbernecking
• watching
• glowering
• gloating
• fixating
• leering
• ogling
• eyeing
• perusing
• observing
• studying
• considering
• staring down
• regarding
• poring (over)
• outfacing
• outstaring

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• glancing
• peeking
• scanning
• peeping
• dipping (into)
• browsing
• glimpsing
• winking (at)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of blinking

The effects of light pollution on wildlife would doubtless grow if suddenly a million new, blinking satellites were added to our night skies. — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 9 July 2026

There were warning signs blinking about the quality of the defenders for weeks and on Monday those prophecies were fulfilled. — Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 6 July 2026

Mounted atop the temporary wall were two sets of traffic lights, a pair of side-by-side green lights (currently off) and a set of red lights, now blinking. — Robert Pearlman, ArsTechnica, 1 July 2026

There’s a blinking red light in the top corner of your room, and that’s one of the cameras Ben uses to watch you. — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 30 June 2026

If the stoplight is blinking red, stop completely and look both ways before continuing. — Drew Aunkst, CBS News, 28 June 2026

The royal, who was seen repeatedly blinking before jolting awake, was attending the annual ANZAC Day service at London's Westminster Abbey, which is held to commemorate Commonwealth soldiers from Australia, New Zealand and Canada who served and died in wars and peacekeeping operations. — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 19 June 2026

Most of them turned off, some blinking erratically and in need of a reset. — Joseph Trinidad, Longreads, 16 June 2026

The webcams assessed user breaks, eye gaze and blinking, and delivered personalized reminders based on the 20-20-20 rule. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 15 June 2026