gleam 1 of 2

Definition of gleamnext

gleam

2 of 2

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
Some oils, such as Victoria Beckham’s sultry, scented formula, lend a dose of shimmer to the skin, while others—like Saltair’s beachy blend—lend a more straightforward gleam. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 27 May 2026 Biscan suggests benefiting from the gleam and dimension of iridescence while opting for the sophistication of marble and marble-look tiles. Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 May 2026
Verb
That night, the northern lights gleamed cold and hard, and the moon bathed the whole landscape in bleak, eerie light. Dolores Brown, Outdoor Life, 17 June 2026 Quiet and discreet, the hotel is steps away from the gleaming dome of the State House, Boston Common, and the Freedom Trail. Tanya Edwards, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for gleam
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gleam
Noun
  • Like the living room, the bedroom is painted the same flat white but the quality of the eastern light filtering into the bedroom casts a buttery glow.
    Marissa Gluck, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
  • By the end of the movie, even something as natural as daylight has become suffused with a heavenly glow, and the beads of sweat on a dying body sparkle with a beauty that Emily had never been able to find anywhere else in her tragedy of a life.
    David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • After spending some time by the pool, a semi-Olympic lined with emerald and malachite mosaics that glinted in the soft, ambient light, followed by a quick trip to the sauna, I was escorted to my treatment room, about a half-flight of stairs up, where I was met by Marcia, my therapist.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026
  • In their gowns and bowties, guests giddily slurp mounds of glinting caviar off the back of their hand.
    Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • The openings in the blinds' slats can be adjusted to give you custom control of glare, light, and heat.
    Molly Burford, Southern Living, 22 June 2026
  • And these were just the animals and machines trying to do you in, not to mention the glare of the sun, the Feds, or some bad-seed trimmer with a crush or a death wish.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • Currently in London while her fiancé Harry Styles performs 12 days at Wembley Stadium as part of his Together, Together tour, Kravitz made time to attend a very British garden party in the blazing sun—looking every bit of a bride-to-be, and flashing her engagement ring in the process.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 25 June 2026
  • WSo what happens if lightning starts flashing during a World Cup match in KC?
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • The satellite is equipped with three multiwavelength telescopes that are able to collect data in visible, ultraviolet, X-ray and gamma-ray light.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 28 June 2026
  • Optical technology allows semiconductors to process signals at speeds close to that of light.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • Vernaccia di San Gimignano, the region's only white DOCG, has now mostly shaken its reputation for blandness and its best growers are making fresh, saline expressions with shimmering delicacy.
    Paul Caputo, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
  • The ready-to-wear runway collection, which ultimately became some of Gianni Versace's final designs before his death, spotlighted a lineup of shimmering garments and elegant two-piece sets.
    Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Situated on the edge of Pier 17, overlooking the East River, the pop-up space is designed to bring the magic of the Amalfi Coast to Manhattan, with sun loungers and sips of the sparkling beverage.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 22 June 2026
  • Shinery takes your jewelry from dirty and dull to sparkling and shining.
    ABC News, ABC News, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • As the plane made its descent, he was struck by the sight of hundreds of swimming pools twinkling blue in the sunshine.
    The Week UK, TheWeek, 20 June 2026
  • Made entirely of glass, Bloom can be enjoyed no matter the forecast, but there is something particularly special about sipping a glass of Champagne as the garden’s string lights twinkle overhead.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Gleam.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gleam. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

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