1
as in to sparkle
to give off sparks
the broken radio sparked and smoked the instant it was plugged in
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to trigger
to cause to function
interesting questions that are designed to spark the reader's brain
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to provoke
to rouse to strong feeling or action
President Kennedy's inspirational speeches sparked a generation of young idealists to enter the public arena
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in glimmer
a very small amount
not a spark of interest in the actress's memoirs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 spark
Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 July 2025
The programming covers all bases, from jaw-dropping nature footage to the kind of reality series that spark endless comment threads on social media.
—Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 20 July 2025
Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 15 July 2025
Lacan’s arrival comes at a perfect moment for the Sun, who are in desperate need of a spark coming off a brutal four-game road trip last week.
—Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 5 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for spark
Verb
But while Scheffler was getting ready for his turn, LIV Golf's Sergio Garcia sparked backlash with a bizarre outburst at Royal Portrush.
—Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 July 2025
The programming covers all bases, from jaw-dropping nature footage to the kind of reality series that spark endless comment threads on social media.
—Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 20 July 2025
Noun
Instead of being the last out of a St. Louis Cardinals World Series championship, the moment became the spark for the Royals to charge back and win the title.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 15 July 2025
Lacan’s arrival comes at a perfect moment for the Sun, who are in desperate need of a spark coming off a brutal four-game road trip last week.
—Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 5 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for spark
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spark
Verb
-
There’s even a rare deal on SodaStream sparkling water maker, which allows club soda fans to make their own fizzy water at home instead of barreling through wasteful cans and plastic bottles.—
Clara McMahon,
People.com,
26 July 2025
-
Between adding grated lemon zest to the breading mix and folding lemon into the dressing, cookbook author Jessica Merchant riffs on Caesar salad in a way that sparkles with citrus brightness.—
Kate Bradshaw,
Mercury News,
25 July 2025
Verb
-
In fact, Patrick's frustration with former Speaker Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont, over vouchers and the House's decision to bring 20 impeachment charges against Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton in 2023 were triggering factors in setting up the speaker's race ahead of the start of session.—
John C. Moritz,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
-
The area is also prone to landslides which could be triggered by a quake.—
Jeffrey Kluger,
Time,
29 July 2025
Verb
-
Under the supervision of experts, Paul provokes sharks to attack him in multiple scenarios.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
20 July 2025
-
While not classified among the FDA's nine major allergens, sulfites can trigger severe reactions in sensitive individuals and may provoke asthma attacks in up to 10 percent of people with asthma.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 July 2025
Noun
-
Despite the serious nature of the diagnosis, Ospreay offered a glimmer of hope.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 July 2025
-
In the past year, there was a little glimmer of recovery: Earnings were up about 22% on a 2.7% revenue increase.—
John Dorfman,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Verb
-
Its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, glows with buildings carved from Villamayor sandstone that shimmer like honey under the basking Castilian rays.—
Lewis Nunn,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
-
Its tools have been quirky designs and glowing lights, along with a focus on markets outside the US.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
18 July 2025
Verb
-
Leo activates your solar 10th house, urging bold moves, leadership, and visibility.—
Alexis Simmerman,
Austin American Statesman,
24 July 2025
-
This induces a meditative, parasympathetic state—activating your body’s natural healing processes and reducing cortisol (stress hormone) levels.—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
Verb
-
During his latter stint on the council, Spelman called on Austin police to reevaluate how officers spent their time and encouraged the city to consider alternative programs to reduce crime.—
Emiliano Tahui Gómez,
Austin American Statesman,
25 July 2025
-
Community members are encouraged to see the stadium before the start of the 2025 football season.—
Katie Nixon,
The Tennessean,
25 July 2025
Noun
-
The live-action reimagining of Disney's beloved animated classic made a big splash at the worldwide box office after its release in late May, bringing in more than $300 million in its opening weekend.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA Today,
17 July 2025
-
The Cowboys' biggest splash was trading for Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens.—
Kevin McCormick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spark.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spark. Accessed 1 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share