gleam 1 of 2

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
With piercing rumbles, flickering gleams and heaps of fan interaction, Cain's concert felt more like an interactive theatrical experience. Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Sep. 2025 Light up the lake at Great Parks Spark in the Dark Illuminate the night by floating on glowing boats as the water glints and gleams. Caroline Ritzie, The Enquirer, 18 July 2025
Verb
From a distance, Biosphere 2 emerges from the cacti and creosote of the Sonoran desert like a gleaming oasis, a colony of glass and bright white structures. Chris Impey, The Conversation, 23 Sep. 2025 The next revolution in electrification may not arrive as a gleaming battery or a vast mine. Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gleam
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gleam
Noun
  • Stretching to the pointed edge of the property is a 62-foot-long rectangular infinity pool adorned with mosaic tiles in swirling shapes that mimic the greenish glow of bioluminescence.
    Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 3 Oct. 2025
  • With an adequate amount of vitamin D, good sun protection, a fewer step routine and better eating habits, the glow is continuous.
    Samantha Mims, Essence, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Gothic cathedrals, art deco villas, vintage yellow trams, impeccably dressed signore, bright red Negronis glinting in the sun—these are some of the most classic symbols of Milan, but there’s a whole other side to the city, one that’s contemporary, cosmopolitan, and just plain cool.
    Laura Itzkowitz, AFAR Media, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Miles Mykkanen’s Sam gets to unsheathe his glinting high tenor, and Lauren Snouffer’s 14-year-old Sarah tosses her lithe soprano voice into airborne vaults.
    Justin Davidson, Vulture, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Available in 17 shades, MIULEE’s sheer curtains diffuse sunlight and soften glare without disrupting air flow.
    Shoko Wanger, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Without his mother’s overbearing glare, Ed becomes romantically involved with Adeline Watkins (Suzanna Son), an intriguing outcast in town, and begins indulging in a spree of gruesome crimes that would later shock the nation.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • On top of that, another potential sell signal is close to being flashed.
    Fred Imbert, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025
  • In some cases, 3 to 5 inches of rain might be possible, forecasters said, which could lead to flash flooding.
    Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • There's also a front light with an auto-adjusting sensor on board, so the screen should be legible indoors and out.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Blue light targets acne-causing bacteria to help keep breakouts at bay, while red and near-infrared wavelengths penetrate deeper to stimulate collagen, improve circulation, and promote skin repair.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • On Katmai’s wild southeastern coast, however, guests of Natural Habitat Adventures, a partner of World Wildlife Fund, observe brown bears in near solitude on shimmering tidal flats and aqua bays.
    Susan Portnoy, AFAR Media, 3 Oct. 2025
  • All visitors are struck by the long colored ribbon extending over a hundred yards throughout the store, drawing them inside to experience all its shimmering hues.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Eiffel Tower sparkled in their background as day turned into night.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Your accessories don’t have to be sparkling, brand-new from the newest home decor store.
    Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Formula One is headed to the Lion City’s Marina Bay Street Circuit to compete under the twinkling stars and lights for the Singapore Grand Prix.
    Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The twinkling synth lines and thumping four-on-the-floor pattern create a groove as irresistible as the woman Iwar yearns for.
    Heran Mamo, Billboard, 30 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Gleam.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gleam. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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