shimmer 1 of 2

shimmer

2 of 2

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
Crystal glass adds shimmer, and ceramic plates in neutral tones highlight colorful drips. Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 June 2025 On the effervescent dance track, the British pop star mixes percussion elements of traditional Indian music with his signature absurdly catchy melodies, singing about never wanting to stop dancing with a lover whose aura shimmers just like the blue diamond for which the song is named. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 5 June 2025
Noun
The 10-track record combines indie pop with shimmering folk music, Americana and yacht rock — think Steely Dan, the Mamas and the Papas, Carole King and Seals and Crofts somehow meeting Clairo, Soccer Mommy and Samia. Audrey Gibbs, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 The hexagonal pattern on the face appears to shimmer, changing hues from forest to grass green. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 29 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for shimmer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shimmer
Verb
  • Her white shirt would gleam like chrome under the metallic lights.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 July 2025
  • The cars are dotted around in a kaleidoscope of colors, a stark contrast to the gleaming white factory floor.
    Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • Now my house is awash with the LED glow of charging bulbs that are just waiting for the next power outage to do their trick.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 10 July 2025
  • The image also shows the glow of Dallas, Austin, San Antonio and Houston to the northeast, with Torreón, Mexico, to the southwest.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Based on Michelle Frances’ novel of the same name, The Girlfriend follows Laura (Wright), a woman who seemingly has it all: a glittering career, a loving husband, and her precious son, Daniel.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 14 July 2025
  • Alongside her glittering music career (let the record show Don’t Stop the Music went triple platinum on my iPod Shuffle), Rihanna has long secured her place as a global fashion icon.
    Vogue, Vogue, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • There wasn’t any glare to speak of, either, and mind you, our lab's overhead LEDs did try and create some.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 13 July 2025
  • Despite the glare on the windows and the people in the bar, the crowd attempted to take photos of Urban playing inside.
    Kirsten Fiscus, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Verb
  • Top off each serving with club soda or sparkling water.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2025
  • Director Gordon Greenberg has marshalled an excellent cast of fearless and multitalented actors for this 2-1/2-hour play-within-a-play that sparkles and surprises at every turn.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • Stick to the classics like the Bobbi Brown Easy Neutrals Eyeshadow & Eyeliner set, or add some sheen to your everyday routine with a glowy primer.
    Lily Wohlner, Allure, 12 July 2025
  • There is a sheen of poetic perfection to the film; Jesse and Céline are idealized lovers who look like grunge-era fashion models and speak with an unguarded openness.
    Judy Berman, Time, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Emotions like doubt or frustration may flash across the face in a split second.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Cameras flash as Combs addresses the crowd, presiding over the scene like a master of ceremonies — or something else entirely.
    Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • For many, Maine is a summer refuge—beaches with powdery sand and glinting grey-blue water intermingled with bucolic topography; mountains, lake houses.
    Caroline Reilly, Robb Report, 6 June 2025
  • Sunlight glints off the water with a Mediterranean shimmer.
    Alexandra Gillespie, AFAR Media, 23 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shimmer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shimmer. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on shimmer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!