SHIMMER Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

shimmer 1 of 2

verb

ˈshi-mər

Definition of shimmer next

as in to gleam

to shoot forth bursts of light a sequined dress shimmering under the studio lights

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

shimmer

2 of 2

noun

as in glow

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples of shimmer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Guests will be able to feast on outstanding sunrises and sunsets over the shimmering Pacific and bask in Hawaii's magic from the comfort of your bed. —

Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 15 Sep. 2024 Nader finished the look with silver earrings, black sunglasses and strappy sandals adorned with shimmering embellishments. —

Maggie Clancy, WWD, 13 Sep. 2024

Noun

The French brand’s Active range has various nail strengtheners that double as polish (including a very trendy jelly-effect one), but this champagne shimmer is my favorite. —

Karina Hoshikawa, refinery29.com, 17 Sep. 2024 This pretty pink liquid is even flecked with shimmer made out of pearls, which not only give hair extra luster but also fortify it with its naturally occurring vital minerals. —

Devon Abelman, Allure, 2 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for shimmer

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'shimmer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.