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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
Earlier this week, the reality TV star shared photos on Instagram of herself posing in nothing but glitter and a crown. Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 19 Oct. 2025 The Max sandals, which are also available in a high-shine satin or glitter style, are defined by their sculptural chunky platform, a dramatic pin-thin stiletto heel and a delicate ankle strap. Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
The glittering haul includes an emerald and diamond necklace and earrings set that Emperor Napoleon gave second wife, Marie-Louise of Austria, as a wedding gift in 1810. Kc Baker, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025 Vaccarello, shy and soft-spoken, has managed to reign at one of the great houses without becoming a household name or a glittering public personage in the manner of John Galliano or Marc Jacobs. Rob Haskell, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for glitter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for glitter
Verb
  • Critics see gleaming towers rising from desert sand and detect not ambition but emptiness — a city with an unlimited line of credit, but without a soul.
    Bobby Ghosh, Time, 29 Oct. 2025
  • The West Wing’s White House represented a sacred workplace with gleaming wood and flattering lighting that was populated with smart people trying to do good for the country.
    Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 27 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The striking arrow shapes are an empowering accessory, yet there’s a subtlety in the muted bronze, ebony, and antique diamonds (which have a softer shimmer than modern cuts).
    Jill Newman, Robb Report, 19 Oct. 2025
  • The soft shimmer can make everything from a jacket to sweatpants look elegant.
    Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • My father makes color copies of famous paintings and gilt frames for the walls of the living room and bedrooms.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Oct. 2025
  • In 2022, then UK Prime Minister Liz Truss unleashed a wave of market panic with unfunded tax cuts that forced the Bank of England into emergency action after 30-year gilt yields soared by over 100 basis points.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 3 Sep. 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
Noun
  • Reeves has the perfect little twinkle in his eye as this well-meaning angel, but the actor is especially endearing once Gabriel has to get used to being a flesh-and-blood person.
    Tim Grierson, Vulture, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Princess Märtha Louise, 54, then put her hand over the camera, and to the tune of twinkle music, she and Durek, 50, reappeared in lavender outfits.
    Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 8 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 tell shone in the glint of Bo Nix’s teeth after the plays that didn’t connect Sunday.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 12 Oct. 2025
  • With a permanent glint in his eye, Philip was the rock that kept Queen Elizabeth smiling.
    Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The new beach collection, which launched globally this week, covers shirts, shorts, swim shorts and accessories in Italian linen, silk and towelling with fine jacquard and embroidery across some of the pieces.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The exhibition space is in optical white, with neon lighting that highlights the details and embroidery of each piece, showcasing the designers’ meticulous craftsmanship.
    Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Glitter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/glitter. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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