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

glitter

2 of 2

noun

1

as in shimmer

Related Words

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

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

Past the frolicking waters of the outdoor fountain that anchors Lincoln Center, beyond the twin Chagall murals hanging 30-feet tall in the Metropolitan Opera House lobby, and behind the stage of one of the nation’s most glittering cultural centers sits a warren of rooms in a concrete labyrinth. —Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2026

But in her glittering Alexander McQueen dress, Amal Clooney just took home the gold. —Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 11 May 2026

Noun

Debuting its first season in 2019, Euphoria pioneered a bold new trend in makeup, featuring vibrant colors, innovative liner, an excess of glitter and an overall psychedelic look. —Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026

Visitors can experience glitter tattoo artists, live music and Drama Learning Center performances. —Janet Kusterer, Baltimore Sun, 26 Apr. 2026