glitter 1 of 2

glitter

2 of 2

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
The stadium, however, requires renovations to keep up with the glittering offerings across American sport and to keep Raymond James in the frame for future Super Bowls. Adam Crafton, New York Times, 13 May 2025 The 2025 Pride Collection features an assortment of accessories and apparel from glittering platform heels to color-rich handbags and statement jewelry all reflecting Johnson’s signature style and support to inclusivity. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 13 May 2025
Noun
Still, not everything in her purse is covered in glitter. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2025 The themes are heavy on Western and Americana, but the Renaissance glitter, dance, and futurism is apparent. Yolanda MacHado, EW.com, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for glitter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for glitter
Verb
  • Infused with a generous amount of hydrating passion fruit oil and softening fig-pulp extract, the bullet glides on effortlessly, leaving behind hydrated lips with a layer of gorgeous, gleaming color on top.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 15 May 2025
  • Skip Sprays and Shines While gleaming leaves look great, synthetic leaf shine sprays are likely to do more harm than good.
    Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 May 2025
Noun
  • With flushed cheeks extending from the apples to the temples, lips softly lined, and light-catching shimmer on the eyes, romantic glam elevates soft glam with a whimsical, spring-ready twist.
    Larry Stansbury, Essence, 8 May 2025
  • When oil shimmers, add onion; cook, stirring frequently, until onion is translucent, 2-3 minutes.
    Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 2 May 2025
Noun
  • And then there’s the emotional, irrational lift of gilt and glory, the baroque architecture, the Renaissance art, the history stretching back to Jesus and Saint Peter.
    Howard Chua-Eoan, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025
  • The 30-year gilt yield soared up to 30 basis points at one point, marking a fresh 27-year high, and was last up 25 basis points.
    Chloe Taylor,Jenni Reid, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The styles are designed to empower the wearer to sparkle from within, and celebrates individuality and community alike.
    Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 13 May 2025
  • But Dante sparkles in the spotlight, green glitter gleaming on his spirit animal wings.
    Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • What sets this place apart (besides the mini movie theater and thoughtful layout) is the private garden, complete with twinkle lights, lounge seating, and a leafy canopy perfect for slow breakfasts or late-night wine.
    Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 1 May 2025
  • Francine Kiefer/The Christian Science Monitor The two friends have stopped to talk on Carriage House Road, where the crowning jewel of the holiday light show stands – a three-level property where every inch twinkles, right up to the tops of the palm trees.
    Francine Kiefer, The Christian Science Monitor, 19 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The new Steelers defensive lineman flashes his quick, strong hands and fluid hips, defeating the guard with a swim move.
    Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 19 May 2025
  • Warning signs are flashing for our economy: Inflation is rising and 82% of Americans are already worried about a potential recession.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
Noun
  • The images often frame Bono in shadow, with glints of light around him, lending a chiaroscuro elegance to his presence.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 16 May 2025
  • The glint of the sun, gleaming light, on the tops, and shadow, darkness in the troughs.
    Casey Cep, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The fabric features white embroidery, giving the simple design depth and texture.
    Mikelle Street, Footwear News, 18 May 2025
  • And brands should also offer decorative twists with embroideries and embellishments to lift the female shopper’s denim wardrobe.
    Catherine Salfino, Sourcing Journal, 8 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Glitter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/glitter. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on glitter

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!