GLISTENING Synonyms: 62 Similar and Opposite Words

glistening 1 of 2

adjective

ˈgli-sᵊn-iŋ

Definition of glistening

as in polished

having a shiny surface or finish a glistening marble table top

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

glistening

2 of 2

verb

present participle of glisten

as in gleaming

to shoot forth bursts of light this seemingly dull opal really glistens in full light

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 glistening

Adjective

Shot on location in Alberta, Canada, the blooming grasslands, breathtaking sunrises, glistening rivers and immense mountaintops are characters in their own right, often pulling audiences in when the storyline itself is drastically lacking. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026 Styled by Leslie Fremar, the actress wore a glistening silver dress made entirely of shredded metallic fringing that dangled around her body. — Meg Walters, InStyle, 31 July 2026

Verb

Finally, the six-point bull climbed out and walked off, with a fresh coat of mud glistening on his hide. — Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 12 Aug. 2026 Muchová faded from the set after that, leaving the court at the set break while Gauff remained, unbothered by the sun and the sweat glistening on her shoulders. — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for glistening

Recent Examples of Synonyms for glistening

Adjective

With polished prose and impeccable research, historian Philbrick unravels the Golden State’s ties to profit, enslavement and white supremacy.

— Bethanne Patrick, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
The long-sleeve blouse was a polished piece that was further accentuated by a pair of charcoal gray trousers with pleating and a wide-leg silhouette.

— Julia Teti, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of polished

Verb

Tokyo’s hospitality scene is as diverse as the city itself, a place of dizzying contrasts where ancient temples sit in the shadow of gleaming skyscrapers, and traditional craftsmanship juxtaposes cutting-edge technology.

— Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 30 Sep. 2026
My Instagram Discover page is a narcotic carousel of supple leather and gleaming metal.

— Adam Erace, Fortune, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of gleaming

Adjective

Widely recognized as London’s oldest luxury hotel, updates like glossy marble bathrooms, vibrant textiles, and mahogany walk-in closets have breathed new life into this historic stay.

— Katharine Sohn, Architectural Digest, 2 Oct. 2026
The nails were painted a sharp, glossy red, while the same shade traced the inside of her eyes, with lashings of mascara that added to the dramatic effect.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of glossy

Verb

Animals started tracking across the plain, their eyes glinting in the flashlights Cordova and Heimann swept back and forth.

— Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 21 Sep. 2026
The placement feels resonant, since Boorman was always operating between poles of glinting victory and laughable failure.

— Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of glinting

Adjective

Microsoft Surface Laptop Early Prime Day Deal For a sleek-looking portable that also delivers some of the best battery life out there, Microsoft's Surface Laptop is a strong contender.

— K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2026
The dining room has a long dark wood table beneath a simple pendant light, while the kitchen has sleek metal cabinets and a large marble island.

— Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of sleek

Verb

What’s different about this style is that its uppers are completely decorated with small, shimmering crystal details in a silvery, light-catching finish.

— Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026
In the distance, a huge mobile crane, or some other piece of machinery, loomed, impossibly tall, shimmering in the air like a mirage.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of shimmering

Verb

Both pieces from the look featured a bevy of sparkle and shine, thanks in no small part to the glittering tassels embellishing the bandeau and the maxiskirt.

— Julia Teti, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026
And while that might not be possible, a career full of glittering moments isn’t a stretch for a player with so much talent and potential.

— Ben Church, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of glittering

Browse Nearby Words

glistened

glistening

glistens

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Glistening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/glistening. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of glistening

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

perseverate

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

7 Great Ways to Say 'Great'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

7 Great Ways to Say 'Great'

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes