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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
Add chicken and toss until evenly coated, pressing to adhere. Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium until shimmering. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 29 Apr. 2025 Beneath the surface, the land holds rare treasures: titanite crystals shimmering along the Mirage Trail—offering not just geological intrigue but creative direction. Ashlee Marie Preston, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Noun
On the brilliant blue Aegean, the mineral-rich sand shimmers, the sun beams, and a wealthy, generally American clientele hides out in huge monochrome marble and mosaic pool suites that cling to ochre bluffs on the isle of Ios. Lee Cobaj, Robb Report, 1 May 2025 Bronzed Smokey Eye & Nude Lip: How-To: Start with a bronzed eyeshadow blended into the crease, deep brown smoke along the lash line, and a pop of shimmer on the lid. India Espy-Jones, Essence, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shimmer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shimmer
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
  • While fine jewelry may contribute to her glow, Bailey says there are definitely a few other things making her radiate from the inside out — her son and and her career.
    Michelle Lee, People.com, 10 May 2025
  • Those under clear, dark skies away from light pollution may see the glow of the aurora borealis low on the northern horizon from 11 U.S. states though a bright waxing gibbous moon may make sightings more difficult.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025
Verb
  • The actress carried a matching teal purse and gemstone necklace. 12 of 12 Dakota Johnson For the Kering Women in Motion Awards, Dakota Johnson wore a glittering Gucci gown with a halter neckline and sheer skirt.
    Catherine Santino, People.com, 19 May 2025
  • Deals, a jetliner and lifted Syria sanctions In Qatar, Trump will take part in a second glittering state dinner and seek to strike commercial deals.
    Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • Restoring the luster Nordstrom department stores once had, and getting out from under the glare of Wall Street, is the basis for Nordstrom going private.
    David Moin, Footwear News, 16 May 2025
  • The snappers are standing in a group with their camera lenses pointed towards the back row of the tiny seated area, prompting several dozen people to turn around and glare in the same direction.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • But Dante sparkles in the spotlight, green glitter gleaming on his spirit animal wings.
    Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 13 May 2025
  • 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
Noun
  • What press coverage there’s been of Bieber’s past few months applies a sheen of faux concern for the singer.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 13 May 2025
  • Upping the sheen for the trims (skirting boards and window and door architraves) adds a subtle variation and frames the room.
    Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 May 2025
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
Verb
  • Photo: Courtesy New Ravenna Easily transfixed by sunlight glinting off gold jewelry?
    Kathryn O'Shea-Evans, Architectural Digest, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Sunlight glints off what looks like fishing wire strewn through the trees and bushes.
    Eleanor Beardsley, NPR, 12 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Shimmer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shimmer. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

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