Synonyms of glitter

glitter 1 of 2

verb

ˈgli-tər 

as in to gleam

to shoot forth bursts of light

the queen's crown glittered under the glare of the TV lights

Synonyms & Similar Words

• gleam
• shimmer
• sparkle
• flash
• glint
• shine
• twinkle
• glisten
• lustre
• glow
• glimmer
• flame
• spangle
• glister
• scintillate
• luster
• wink
• glance
• coruscate
• beam
• winkle
• dazzle
• blind
• flare
• radiate
• glare
• blaze
• bedazzle
• daze
• burn

glitter

2 of 2

noun

1

as in shimmer

Related Words

• shimmer
• sparkle
• twinkle
• glint
• scintillation
• glimmer
• glow
• gleam
• glare
• luminescence
• fluorescence
• radiance
• sunlight
• sunshine
• moonlight
• light
• flash
• blaze
• illumination
• flare
• incandescence
• shine
• beam
• lustre
• ray
• sheen
• halo
• sunbeam
• daylight
• aurora
• aureole
• polish
• gloss
• streak
• shaft
• aureola
• stream
• luster
• reflection
• afterglow
• glisten

Dissimilar Words

• night
• darkness
• shadow
• dark
• blackness
• gloom
• dusk
• duskiness
• dimness

2

as in gilt

Related Words

• gilt
• appliqué
• embroidery
• embossment
• fancywork
• pattern
• design
• enhancement
• enrichment
• improvement
• trappings
• bedizenment
• furnishings
• regalia
• ruffle
• frosting
• filigree
• flounce
• flourish
• embellishment
• finery
• ornament
• decoration
• frippery
• apparel
• ornamentation
• adornment
• froufrou
• garnish
• figure
• trim
• bells and whistles
• furbelow
• frill
• blazonry
• chichi
• garniture
• setoff
• garnishment
• fal-lal
• beautifier
• doodad
• foofaraw
• bric-a-brac
• emblazonry
• caparison
• embellisher

Dissimilar Words

• scar
• blemish
• disfigurement
• stain
• spot
• blot
• defacement

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb glitter contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of glitter are flash, gleam, glimmer, glint, glisten, shimmer, and sparkle. While all these words mean "to send forth light," glitter connotes a brilliant sparkling or gleaming.

glittering diamonds

When might flash be a better fit than glitter?

The synonyms flash and glitter are sometimes interchangeable, but flash implies a sudden outburst of bright light.

lightning flashed

Where would gleam be a reasonable alternative to glitter?

The words gleam and glitter can be used in similar contexts, but gleam suggests a steady light seen through an obscuring medium or against a dark background.

lights gleamed in the valley

When would glimmer be a good substitute for glitter?

In some situations, the words glimmer and glitter are roughly equivalent. However, glimmer suggests a faint or wavering gleam.

a distant glimmering light

In what contexts can glint take the place of glitter?

The meanings of glint and glitter largely overlap; however, glint implies a cold glancing light.

glinting steel

When is it sensible to use glisten instead of glitter?

Although the words glisten and glitter have much in common, glisten applies to the soft sparkle from a wet or oily surface.

glistening wet sidewalk

When can shimmer be used instead of glitter?

While the synonyms shimmer and glitter are close in meaning, shimmer means shining with a wavering light.

a shimmering satin dress

When is sparkle a more appropriate choice than glitter?

The words sparkle and glitter are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sparkle suggests innumerable moving points of bright light.

the sparkling waters

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of glitter

Verb

Flipper’s Boogie Palace at LaCienega and Santa Monica was also the A lister’s night spot of its time, the roller disco home of the trendy (including a young Laura Dern), many in glitter hot pants ready for the rowdy rink. —Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2025

Meanwhile, glitter shadow spilled under her eyes, filling in her waterline next to a brown eyeliner with hints of gold. —Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 5 Sep. 2025

Noun

The Glacier Palace is a frozen wonderland of glittering ice tunnels, intricate sculptures, and even an ice slide. —Alexandra Emanuelli, Travel + Leisure, 6 Sep. 2025

Advertisement Advertisement A recent spate of darkly glittering comedies give us the opportunity to do just that. —Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 4 Sep. 2025