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gleam

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb gleam contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of gleam are flash, glimmer, glint, glisten, glitter, shimmer, and sparkle. While all these words mean "to send forth light," gleam suggests a steady light seen through an obscuring medium or against a dark background.

lights gleamed in the valley

When is flash a more appropriate choice than gleam?

While the synonyms flash and gleam are close in meaning, flash implies a sudden outburst of bright light.

lightning flashed

When might glimmer be a better fit than gleam?

While in some cases nearly identical to gleam, glimmer suggests a faint or wavering gleam.

a distant glimmering light

When could glint be used to replace gleam?

Although the words glint and gleam have much in common, glint implies a cold glancing light.

glinting steel

Where would glisten be a reasonable alternative to gleam?

The words glisten and gleam can be used in similar contexts, but glisten applies to the soft sparkle from a wet or oily surface.

glistening wet sidewalk

When is it sensible to use glitter instead of gleam?

The words glitter and gleam are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, glitter connotes a brilliant sparkling or gleaming.

glittering diamonds

When would shimmer be a good substitute for gleam?

In some situations, the words shimmer and gleam are roughly equivalent. However, shimmer means shining with a wavering light.

a shimmering satin dress

When can sparkle be used instead of gleam?

The meanings of sparkle and gleam largely overlap; however, 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 gleam
Noun
On closer inspection, the gleam was a stainless-steel ring, bolted onto what seemed to be a large metal drum. Maddy Crowell, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025 This has been a gleam in scientists’ eyes for quite some time. Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 1 May 2025
Verb
The main level features gleaming hardwood floors, two fireplaces and a chef’s kitchen with two ovens, a pair of sinks, a microwave drawer and a commercial-sized refrigerator. Mike Klingaman, Baltimore Sun, 22 May 2025 This wasn’t the only eye-catching element of the design, as the shoes also gleamed with a metallic silver finish. Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for gleam
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gleam
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
  • Sunlight glints off the water with a Mediterranean shimmer.
    Alexandra Gillespie, AFAR Media, 23 June 2025
  • Simulations suggest that roughly one in 10 Rubin images will contain at least one bright streak or glint from the thousands of SpaceX Starlink and other satellites orbiting Earth.
    Jonathan Corum, New York Times, 19 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
  • Advertisement What Ennis fears, the violent murder that flashes through his mind when Lureen tells him of Jack’s death as a result of an exploding tire, is still happening.
    Rich Juzwiak, Time, 24 June 2025
  • Production Retail Sales isn’t the only indicator flashing weakness.
    Robert Barone, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • The celebrated Scottish film and screen actor, who was regarded as one of the brightest lights of his generation, died at the age of 40 from AIDS in 1990, and asked that the cause of his death be publicized to promote awareness and acceptance of the illness.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 30 June 2025
  • Congress could fund the shortfall from general revenue but that would hardly be prudent in light of the growing national debt.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • The river was famous for its largemouth bass — one of the most economically important gamefish in the U.S. The wetlands shimmered with flocks of water birds.
    Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 29 June 2025
  • Nestled in nine hectares of lush, landscaped gardens overlooking a long, sandy beach and the shimmering South China Sea, The Westin Resort & Spa Cam Ranh is a haven of tranquility and wellbeing.
    Dominique Fluker, Essence, 28 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
Verb
  • The rooftop crowd enjoys views of Denver’s skyline and Larimer Square, which charms with its signature hammock of twinkling lights draped over the block.
    Brittany Anas, Denver Post, 23 June 2025
  • Soon her eyes were twinkling as her planes danced and arced across the sky.
    Michael Monson, Christian Science Monitor, 21 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Gleam.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gleam. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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