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glitter

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noun

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

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 glitter
Verb
Perhaps more than any other director, David rendered Los Angeles fairly: the glittering sprawl of the flats and the freeways, the canyons’ serpentine darkness. Will Bahr, The Atlantic, 23 Jan. 2025 Two days after the accident, with the debris cleared, Henie’s ice show went on — a glittering panorama in which the star wore six different dazzling costumes while skating for an adoring crowd. Mike Klingaman, Baltimore Sun, 21 Jan. 2025
Noun
Gone are the days of wearing head-to-toe silver glitter for the occasion. Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 16 Dec. 2024 Capella Bangkok is defined as much by its negative space as its minimalist design, evidenced by large slabs of earthen hued marble, gray textiles, dark wooden furniture and black lacquered accents, and the occasional glitter of gold on subtle art installations. Lauren Mowery, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for glitter 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for glitter
Verb
  • The undisputed heart of the home, the kitchen includes a lounge with comfortable seating, both an eat-in island and a breakfast nook, and a butler’s pantry with a wine fridge, coffee station, and gleaming verre églomisé detailing.
    Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 31 Jan. 2025
  • Black mannequins, outfitted in de Vilmorin’s collection, gleamed atop red marble tables.
    Ian Malone, Vogue, 30 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Another big milestone was celebrated by Giorgio Armani, who celebrated 20 years of his couture line Armani Privé with a collection that explored themes of light and shimmer.
    Alice Pfeiffer, CNN, 31 Jan. 2025
  • At Alice + Olivia spring/summer 2025, hints of shimmer were placed at the inner corners and concentrated to the middle of the lids to brighten up eyes.
    Rebecca Fearn, refinery29.com, 6 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The yield on the 30-year gilt sank seven basis points to 5.107%, its lowest point since Jan. 2.
    Ryan Browne,Jenni Reid,Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2025
  • The yields on 2 and 5-year gilts were down nine basis points at 9:08 a.m.
    Jenni Reid,Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 15 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • An expert shares simple tips to enhance your appliance and achieve sparkling dishes after every load.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Feb. 2025
  • The royal wore a pair of sparkling silver stud earrings.
    Julia Teti, WWD, 29 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • In the evening, the super-size star lights up the night with twinkle lights.
    Erin Gifford, Southern Living, 2 Feb. 2025
  • Kacey is ready to toss the twinkle lights forever, so great is her shame.
    Christina Grace Tucker, Vulture, 16 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Nardi has flashed excellence in his short big-league career, though his 5.07 ERA in 2024 is concerning.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025
  • The player bet 88 cents, hit spin and watched as the symbols flashed across the screen until a jackpot message appeared.
    Helena Wegner, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Using specialized macro lenses, the crew captured millimeter-level details, from the glint in a spider’s eye to the fine hairs on a beetle’s mandibles.
    Tony Bradley, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
  • Thank goodness the fight is at night or one of them might be put off by a glint of sunlight like receiver CeeDee Lamb.
    Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Sisters are encouraged to develop a personal craft, such as leatherwork, calligraphy, embroidery, or making rosaries, soap, candles, or icons.
    Lawrence Wright, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025
  • There is contemporary art, mainly paintings and photographs but also quilting and embroidery inspired by the house.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 9 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near glitter

Cite this Entry

“Glitter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/glitter. Accessed 14 Feb. 2025.

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