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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
This stylish sweater is made of a soft knit that features subtle metallic threads woven throughout, giving it a delicate shimmer. Nora Colomer May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 30 Aug. 2025 Barcelona dreams in Gaudí’s whimsical curves—where chimneys twist like candy and mosaics shimmer in Park Güell. Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Noun
Michiganders as far south as Cadillac, Manistee and West Branch may be able to see the shimmering lights in the sky to the north, NOAA said. Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 3 Sep. 2025 The title track is an infectiously groovy, eighteen-minute improvisation for electric keyboards, in which quicksilver tendrils of melody appear and recede, shimmering in the style of Indian raga. William Robin, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shimmer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shimmer
Verb
  • Marble floors gleamed beneath towering columns, and the chandeliers cast a warm, golden light.
    Maggie Downs, Oc Register, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Megan Moroney, Malin Akerman and Brittany Snow brought the shine to their section in their gleaming ensembles.
    Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Inside Lenox, palm fronds throw shimmering shadows and rattan lampshades cast a lazy glow.
    The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The center beam shows color and detail clearly, while the outer glow only catches movement.
    Big Think, Big Think, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Nine years later, Bolt called time on a glittering career.
    Liam Tharme, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Meanwhile, the Enchanted glittered with edible pink shimmer dust, and bursting with fruity, botanical flavors – Grey Goose with watermelon basil essences, vermouth and basil.
    John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The overwhelming success of the book and the resulting media glare opened a divide between them.
    Anderson Tepper, The Atlantic, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Mercury was part of it during August, but has since sunk back into the glare of the sun.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Zero Proof package includes zero-proof cocktails, alcohol-free sparkling wine and beer, sodas, juices, still and sparkling bottled water, specialty coffees, milkshakes and more.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Like sparkling citrus that feels like late-summer light, warm vanilla and orchard tones for autumn’s cozy neutrals, and playful gourmand notes that give glossy, indulgent energy.
    Allure Editors, Allure, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The Supima cotton sheet set is made with a sateen weave, offering a light sheen like you’d get in bamboo sheets without the slippery feel.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 10 Sep. 2025
  • There will be airy, pleated fabrics with subtle sheen for catching the light while dancing.
    Ari Stark, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The first photo in the carousel showed Brooks posing with her arms wrapped around her husband-to-be, flashing her ring as the couple posed for the camera in the black-and-white shot.
    Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Torrential rainfall is occurring with this storm, and may lead to flash flooding.
    Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Braided glacial rivers cut through valleys, and massive ice caps glint in the distance.
    David Nikel, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Pans, scoured, hung from hooks; knives glinted in ascending size.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Shimmer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shimmer. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.

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