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
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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
as in glimmer
a very small amount
not a spark of interest in the actress's memoirs
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of spark
Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026
The latest round of talks also come in the aftermath of a major anti-regime uprising in Iran, in which protests -- initially sparked by the deteriorating economic conditions inside the country -- spread nationwide.
—David Brennan, ABC News, 17 Feb. 2026
Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 20 Feb. 2026
Secure trailer chains to prevent sparks, properly dispose of cigarettes, and avoid parking vehicles on dry grass where hot exhaust systems can ignite vegetation.
—Newsroom Meteorologist, Austin American Statesman, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spark
Verb
Beyoncé's new short bob sparked a fan frenzy.
—Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026
The latest round of talks also come in the aftermath of a major anti-regime uprising in Iran, in which protests -- initially sparked by the deteriorating economic conditions inside the country -- spread nationwide.
—David Brennan, ABC News, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
Little Bootsie enjoys toys and still has that playful, young-at-heart spark.
—Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 20 Feb. 2026
Secure trailer chains to prevent sparks, properly dispose of cigarettes, and avoid parking vehicles on dry grass where hot exhaust systems can ignite vegetation.
—Newsroom Meteorologist, Austin American Statesman, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spark
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spark
Verb
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Tea-trays come with starched cloths and sparkling pots, alongside fine crockery and silver.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
24 Feb. 2026
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The sparkling water brand Bubly is going out of this world with three new flavors.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Thermal runaway is a self-sustaining chain reaction where a little bit of pressure or heat starts producing even more heat, leading to a rapid rise in temperature that can trigger deadly fires or explosions.—
Jan Wagner,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 Feb. 2026
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Some financial advisors question whether Trump account gifts meet that criteria, which could trigger gift tax return filing requirements.—
Jessica Dickler,Kate Dore, CFP®, EA,
CNBC,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
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For the Mexican government, the battle against the cartels risks provoking violence across the country, as gang members retaliate against the security forces and battle each other.—
Tim Lister,
CNN Money,
23 Feb. 2026
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The play spoke eloquently to its own time but continued to provoke and inform in subsequent generations.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
22 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The bit of glimmer is echoed in subtle flecks on the dancers’ shimmery white unitards.—
Lauren Warnecke,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Feb. 2026
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The novel is famously austere, with mere glimmers of physical intimacy.—
Emily Zemler,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Outdoors, a long communal dining table sits in the courtyard beneath glowing string lights, right next to the koi pond.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 Feb. 2026
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The same pressure that consumed Glenn and teammate Ilia Malinin could not even touch Liu’s glowing aura.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The governor also activated an additional 150 members of the Massachusetts National Guard to assist with the response.—
Rick Sobey,
Boston Herald,
24 Feb. 2026
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Crushing or chopping garlic activates allicin, its key compound, and fresh ginger provides gingerol.—
Heather Jones,
Verywell Health,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
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There are more than 150 miles of tunnels across nine underground levels, and guests are encouraged to lick the walls.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
21 Feb. 2026
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Virgo The Saturn-Neptune conjunction occurs in your eighth house of intimacy, intimate bonds, and shared resources, encouraging you to grapple with boundaries and limitations tied to your closest relationships.—
Maressa Brown,
InStyle,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Among the amenities at this all-inclusive resort are 13 pools, including a splash pool for kids; a kids club and teen space; daily activities at the main pool; and nightly entertainment.—
Beth Luberecki,
USA Today,
21 Feb. 2026
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Reheat the pasta gently and stir in a splash of pasta water at a time until the sauce loosens and regains its creamy texture.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
21 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spark.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spark. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
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