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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
Add a finishing touch to your style with Bask and Lather Edge Control and Kevin Murphy Shimmer Shine spray for a healthy gleam. Karina Hoshikawa, Refinery29, 10 Sep. 2025 There is something feral in the onrush of Marlowe’s verse, with the gleam of bared teeth daring us to laugh. Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
Syrupy sweets gleam in the windows of dessert shops around Athens, but skip the tourist-magnet displays and go to Feyrouz. Katherine Whittaker, Saveur, 9 Oct. 2025 If he gets put away, at least everyone on the planet got to see him at his gleaming best. Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gleam
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gleam
Noun
  • When proteins are modified, the glow provides a visual signal, letting researchers monitor biological activity without breaking open cells or adding disruptive chemicals.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Essentially the second tone knob engages an onboard distortion circuit, and when it's activated, a rendering of Godzilla on the pickguard glows and pulsates, the brightness varying depending on the gain levels.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Sundae looked up at the photo on the wall, at Holly Jolly, smiling without shark teeth, sprig of holly glinting on his lapel.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Picture yourself in an old observatory on a crisp, starry autumn night—bronze instruments glinting in the dim light, surrounded by aged leather and parchment maps.
    Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Other drivers say morning glare can be a problem when heading east this time of year.
    Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Schottenheimer downplayed the impact, but said the staff has been preparing for the potential glare.
    Jon Machota, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The movie begins with a 10-year-old Michael already showing the brutality for which The Shape was known, then flashes forward 15 years to an adult Michael (Tyler Mane) pursuing his younger sister, Laurie (Scout Taylor-Compton).
    Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Since July 15, the Oscillator has not flashed either overbought or oversold, the longest stretch in this more normal territory in at least 20 years.
    Jeff Marks, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The game was delayed by at least 10 minutes as several main lights in the arena wouldn’t turn on.
    Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Her mission is to be an example of overcoming adversity, reminding the world that true success comes from working with love, respect, and shining without dimming the light of others.
    Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • From airy emulsions and shimmering sabayons to seductive béarnaise and brooding demi-glace, classic French sauces are reappearing—not just in fine dining restaurants and traditional bistros, but also in natural wine bars and small-plate restaurants.
    Joel Hart, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Naomi Watts Watts elevated her little black dress moment with a shimmering silver and diamond brooch.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Tapped as the sixth man in the opener, being summoned off the bench before anyone else, Sexton sparkled in his Hornets’debut.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 2025
  • But its 2019 refresh solidified its spot by proving that relaxing a bit — while maintaining its sparkling service and elevated dishes — doesn't mean sacrificing a sterling reputation.
    Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Gather friends and family in a cozy winter yurt, complete with fur blankets, warm drinks, twinkling lights, and festive bites and cocktails.
    Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2025
  • One can tell Jupiter from Pollux because planets tend to shine with steady light, whereas stars will twinkle.
    Jesse Emspak, Space.com, 20 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Gleam.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gleam. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

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