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shimmer

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb shimmer contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of shimmer are flash, gleam, glimmer, glint, glisten, glitter, and sparkle. While all these words mean "to send forth light," shimmer means shining with a wavering light.

a shimmering satin dress

When is it sensible to use flash instead of shimmer?

The meanings of flash and shimmer largely overlap; however, flash implies a sudden outburst of bright light.

lightning flashed

When can gleam be used instead of shimmer?

While in some cases nearly identical to shimmer, gleam suggests a steady light seen through an obscuring medium or against a dark background.

lights gleamed in the valley

When could glimmer be used to replace shimmer?

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

a distant glimmering light

Where would glint be a reasonable alternative to shimmer?

The words glint and shimmer are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, glint implies a cold glancing light.

glinting steel

In what contexts can glisten take the place of shimmer?

The words glisten and shimmer can be used in similar contexts, but glisten applies to the soft sparkle from a wet or oily surface.

glistening wet sidewalk

When might glitter be a better fit than shimmer?

While the synonyms glitter and shimmer are close in meaning, glitter connotes a brilliant sparkling or gleaming.

glittering diamonds

When would sparkle be a good substitute for shimmer?

Although the words sparkle and shimmer have much in common, 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 shimmer
Verb
The Gold Rush is the final new addition and features bourbon with honey and gold shimmer for a stylish appearance. Michael Nied, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025 Middleton and Payne-Ferebee suggest adding layers of gold and copper shimmer to lighten the colors up while the sun is still beating down. Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
Heat oil in a large cast-iron skillet over high until shimmering. Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 30 Sep. 2025 There was plenty of experimentation, too, seen via the shimmering tops in punchy shades like Big Bird yellow and flaming vermilion red, and the tinsel skirts that swished in all directions as models walked to a custom soundtrack by the British artist Steve McQueen. Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shimmer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shimmer
Verb
  • Elanco's gleaming headquarters stands four stories tall, with floor-to-ceiling blue windows on every side and several balconies that overlook the 75-acre campus and provide an unobstructed view of the downtown skyline.
    Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Brecher's image captured spectacular detail in the sweeping spiral arms of the 260,000 light-year-wide galaxy gleaming with the intense light of star formation.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Stretching to the pointed edge of the property is a 62-foot-long rectangular infinity pool adorned with mosaic tiles in swirling shapes that mimic the greenish glow of bioluminescence.
    Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 3 Oct. 2025
  • With an adequate amount of vitamin D, good sun protection, a fewer step routine and better eating habits, the glow is continuous.
    Samantha Mims, Essence, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Follow the album drop LIVE with USA TODAY Taylor Swift Reporter Byran West and read USA TODAY's glittering review of Swift's playful pop.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The material will bounce light from your tree around the room, and the glittering letters are an inviting way to welcome guests.
    Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Their early months of dating were a whirlwind as Demmer, a stranger to the spotlight, and Humphrey, jaded by the glare of fame, got to know each other — trying to keep it as private as possible.
    Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Unfortunately, things took a dramatic turn at the end of the hour when Drew arrived at the church, drawing intense glares from nearly everyone in attendance.
    Andy Swift, TVLine, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Eiffel Tower sparkled in their background as day turned into night.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Your accessories don’t have to be sparkling, brand-new from the newest home decor store.
    Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The idea was to create a restaurant that fell somewhere between the high-end elegance of Nobu, the upscale, energetic sheen of Sushi Samba and simple, affordable neighborhood sushi spots.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2025
  • Has the bottom developed a sticky sheen?
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 22 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • On top of that, another potential sell signal is close to being flashed.
    Fred Imbert, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025
  • In some cases, 3 to 5 inches of rain might be possible, forecasters said, which could lead to flash flooding.
    Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Gothic cathedrals, art deco villas, vintage yellow trams, impeccably dressed signore, bright red Negronis glinting in the sun—these are some of the most classic symbols of Milan, but there’s a whole other side to the city, one that’s contemporary, cosmopolitan, and just plain cool.
    Laura Itzkowitz, AFAR Media, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Miles Mykkanen’s Sam gets to unsheathe his glinting high tenor, and Lauren Snouffer’s 14-year-old Sarah tosses her lithe soprano voice into airborne vaults.
    Justin Davidson, Vulture, 30 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Shimmer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shimmer. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

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