spark 1 of 2

verb

Definition of sparknext
1
as in to sparkle
to give off sparks the broken radio sparked and smoked the instant it was plugged in

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to trigger
to cause to function interesting questions that are designed to spark the reader's brain

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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

spark

2 of 2

noun

ˈspärk How to pronounce spark (audio)
as in glimmer
a very small amount not a spark of interest in the actress's memoirs

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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
Verb
The biggest blaze is the Rowe Creek Complex which has destroyed 300 square miles (777 square kilometers) since being sparked by lightning on July 15. — ABC News, 24 July 2026 The decision follows public backlash over the original winner, sparking debate over transparency, architectural judgment, and the role of public opinion in shaping major cultural projects. — George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 24 July 2026
Noun
Perhaps Chisholm’s Game 2 blast will serve as that spark, but Sunday’s overall offensive performance was a reminder that the Yankees don’t have enough firepower right now. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 20 July 2026 Torres eventually rediscovered his spark thanks to his therapist, becoming a key contributor for both Barcelona and Spain. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for spark
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spark
  1. sparkle
  2. trigger
  3. provoke
  4. glimmer
  5. glow
  6. activate
  7. encourage
  8. splash
Verb
  • Working with Henning Larsen Architects, the Icelandic-Danish artist Ólafur Elíasson designed the building’s sparkling glass façade, its shapes mirroring the hexagonal basalt formations found on Iceland’s coast.
    — Carolyn Heller, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • Celebrities with reach and personal reasons for going alcohol-free are now designing sparkling aperitifs, functional tonics, craft beers, wines and mixers built to sit comfortably next to anything a bartender pours.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 22, Charlotte Observer, 22 July 2026
Definition of sparkle
Verb
  • But authorities said the crews needed to carefully map out a rescue plan since a reckless excavation could risk triggering a secondary collapse, especially with the boulders at the scene.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 July 2026
  • Long-term care facilities can be triggering environments, with intimate care often delivered by a changing stream of aides whom residents can't recognize.
    — Jordan Rau, NPR, 19 July 2026
Definition of trigger
Verb
  • The Austrian performance artist behind Seaworld Venice is having a moment, after a career spent staging productions that involve herself and which provoke strong reactions.
    — Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 23 July 2026
  • He was also sent off for a headbutt against an opponent who provoked him in his last ever match, which happened to be the 2006 World Cup final; his human reaction laid bare on the highest stage of all.
    — Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 21 July 2026
Definition of provoke
Noun
  • Burns, one of the team’s few bright spots this year, gives a glimmer of hope to the future in a season that has offered little.
    — C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 17 July 2026
  • But forthcoming elections in Israel and the territory controlled by the Palestinian Authority provide a glimmer of hope.
    — Thomas Wright, The Atlantic, 16 July 2026
Definition of glimmer
Verb
  • No blood was visible, but one area glowed after being sprayed with Bluestar.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 24 July 2026
  • At the extreme end, weak edtech can reduce teachers to classroom monitors, passively watching students complete tasks on their glowing rectangles.
    — Richard Carranza, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of glow
Verb
  • Running beta code comes at the consumer’s own risk; diving into the settings to activate features not specifically enabled by Apple will increase that risk.
    — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • Air defenses were activated in the Iranian capital, Tehran, and explosions were reported in several Iranian cities, according to state media.
    — Arpita Dasika, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
Definition of activate
Verb
  • The fish were illegally introduced in the 1970s, so the agency encourages anglers to pursue the game fish and keep their catches.
    — Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 23 July 2026
  • The tradition, known as lördagsgodis, began in the 1950s by Swedish health officials to encourage limiting candy-eating to once a week and prevent cavities.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 July 2026
Definition of encourage
Noun
  • And teach kids not to drink from the pool or treat splash-pad spouts like drinking fountains.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 20 July 2026
  • Krinsky said these hires have gotten Reebok several headlines—plus a Netflix documentary—but O’Neal and Iverson are with the company for more than a big PR splash.
    — Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of splash

Browse Nearby Words

sparingly
spark
sparked
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Cite this Entry

“Spark.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spark. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on spark

Nglish: Translation of spark for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spark

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