1
as in to sparkle
to give off sparks
the broken radio sparked and smoked the instant it was plugged in
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in glimmer
a very small amount
not a spark of interest in the actress's memoirs
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Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of spark
Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 12 Sep. 2025
The commentator's shock killing has rocked the nation, sparking both widespread condemnation from across the political spectrum, and also partisan tensions.
—Alia Shoaib, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
Pete Muntean, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
But the spark simply isn’t developing.
—James Parker, The Atlantic, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spark
Verb
Paleoanthropologists have once again sparked a debate after suggesting that a long-extinct human relative may have buried its dead more than 120,000 years before modern humans started funerary practices.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 12 Sep. 2025
The commentator's shock killing has rocked the nation, sparking both widespread condemnation from across the political spectrum, and also partisan tensions.
—Alia Shoaib, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
The alert comes days after the FAA demonstrated for CNN how a thermal runaway in a battery power pack in a seat back pocket could suddenly launch a violent shower of sparks and ignite a fire.
—Pete Muntean, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
But the spark simply isn’t developing.
—James Parker, The Atlantic, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spark
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spark
Verb
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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
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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
Verb
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In the last fortnight alone, Starmer's Deputy Prime Minister and close ally Angela Rayner has resigned after a house tax scandal, triggering a major cabinet reshuffle.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
17 Sep. 2025
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However, there have been some social media posts and videos celebrating his killing, while others have criticized Kirk and his beliefs, which has in turn triggered a backlash.—
Marni Rose McFall,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Every action provokes a reaction.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
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Their works laid the foundation for a genre that continues to evolve, provoke, and inspire.—
Kenna Hughes-Castleberry,
Space.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The mid-quarter update offered a glimmer of hope after Six Flags’ disastrous second quarter earnings report in August.—
Brady MacDonald,
Oc Register,
12 Sep. 2025
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Almost certainly out this week also is injured receiver Xavier Worthy (shoulder), who provided most of the scant glimmers of hope in the Super Bowl with eight catches for 157 yards and two touchdowns.—
Vahe Gregorian,
Kansas City Star,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Meanwhile, the headphones, meant to unify the audience in a shared soundscape, instead isolate viewers into their glowing silos, which feels like an ironic choice for a show supposedly about communal grief.—
David Hochman,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
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As the glowing waning gibbous moon rose over center field, the Red Sox went quietly into the night one last time in the bottom of the ninth.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
13 Sep. 2025
Verb
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As Lyles started to activate his signature top-end speed, his Jamaican competitors continued to pull away ahead of him.—
Katelyn Hutchison,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
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The Angels already had a catcher on the concussion list, but Logan O’Hoppe has been progressing well and he’s expected to be activated when the Angels begin a series in Milwaukee on Tuesday.—
Jeff Fletcher,
Oc Register,
13 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Readers should not rely solely on the content of this article and are encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances.—
Lyssanoel Frater,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
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The Associated Press reported that Robinson’s father recognized his son from the images released by law enforcement, and then encouraged his son to turn himself in.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Right now, the studio seems focused on delivering quality, memorable, and creative games that people want to play not just because of the brand name splash screen that will appear before the main menu.—
David Jagneaux,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
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And the American redstart — a jetblack little fellow with orange splashes — pretty much stopped breeding here in the early 2000s.—
Ari Daniel,
NPR,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spark.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spark. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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