1
2
as in triggered
to cause to function
interesting questions that are designed to spark the reader's brain
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in provoked
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sparked
Who made the decision, however, has sparked accusations by both New York mayor Zohran Mamdani and Knicks owner James Dolan.
—
Andrew Greif, NBC news, 11 June 2026
The play sparked outrage inside the arena and across social media.
—Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 June 2026
The video and the SCE data offer proof that the 100-year-old line, which hadn’t been used since the early 1970s, became re-electrified and sparked the fire that killed 19 people and destroyed thousands of homes in Altadena and surrounding areas, attorneys say.
—Tony Saavedra, Daily News, 10 June 2026
The one that has sparked the most debate, International Newcomer Academy, was brought up several times Tuesday.
—Samuel O’Neal 9, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 June 2026
Sometimes, the nostalgic names come to you in a massive rush, sparked by some sort of visual stimuli, and this Bolton Wanderers shir… sorry, this Panama shirt has done just that.
—Nick Miller, New York Times, 10 June 2026
Although the official cause of the fire remains under investigation, the Coast Guard and witnesses have told The Times that the fire was inadvertently sparked by a man who crashed his sailboat into rocks on the island’s rugged south side and then fired emergency flares to signal for help.
—Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
Given the role’s frank sexuality, it’s also sparked yet more of the endless conversation and controversy that seems to trail her.
—Daniel D'addario, Variety, 10 June 2026
Energy security in focus The war’s disruption to the Strait of Hormuz has sharpened focus on energy security around the world and comes on the heels of the energy crisis sparked by Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
—Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 4 June 2026
Andrew Greif, NBC news, 11 June 2026
The play sparked outrage inside the arena and across social media.
—Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 June 2026
The video and the SCE data offer proof that the 100-year-old line, which hadn’t been used since the early 1970s, became re-electrified and sparked the fire that killed 19 people and destroyed thousands of homes in Altadena and surrounding areas, attorneys say.
—Tony Saavedra, Daily News, 10 June 2026
The one that has sparked the most debate, International Newcomer Academy, was brought up several times Tuesday.
—Samuel O’Neal 9, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 June 2026
Sometimes, the nostalgic names come to you in a massive rush, sparked by some sort of visual stimuli, and this Bolton Wanderers shir… sorry, this Panama shirt has done just that.
—Nick Miller, New York Times, 10 June 2026
Although the official cause of the fire remains under investigation, the Coast Guard and witnesses have told The Times that the fire was inadvertently sparked by a man who crashed his sailboat into rocks on the island’s rugged south side and then fired emergency flares to signal for help.
—Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
Given the role’s frank sexuality, it’s also sparked yet more of the endless conversation and controversy that seems to trail her.
—Daniel D'addario, Variety, 10 June 2026
Energy security in focus The war’s disruption to the Strait of Hormuz has sharpened focus on energy security around the world and comes on the heels of the energy crisis sparked by Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
—Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 4 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sparked
Verb
-
The bride sparkled in the Pragnell family tiara—the same jewelers who designed her engagement ring (and who, movingly, also designed Queen Elizabeth’s 1946 engagement ring, as well).—
Rachel Burchfield,
InStyle,
8 June 2026
-
The cover was off and Portage Lake sparkled in the sun.—
Dee-Ann Durbin,
Chicago Tribune,
8 June 2026
Verb
-
Shots fired near the Colorado-Wyoming border on Monday triggered a massive response from law enforcement agencies in both states after a Wyoming deputy was injured, sheriff’s officials said.—
Lauren Penington,
Denver Post,
9 June 2026
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Multiple buildings collapsed in General Santos City, a major port on the populous island of Mindanao, and the quake also triggered deadly landslides and a 3-foot tsunami that hit neighboring islands’ coasts.—
Rafi Schwartz,
TheWeek,
9 June 2026
Verb
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If these quasi-mythical creatures provoked unease, at least among outsiders, their cheese did the opposite.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
-
Trump’s unprecedented decision to attend an NBA Finals game provoked turmoil for the team and their fans.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
10 June 2026
Verb
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As the sun set, the grounds glowed with scarlet lights that illuminated the red ottomans in the seating and lounge areas, creating an almost theatrical atmosphere.—
Stefania Conrieri,
Vanity Fair,
7 June 2026
-
The lab glowed like a jewel in the distance, and around him bioluminescent plankton shone like stars.—
Susan Cosier,
Scientific American,
6 June 2026
Verb
-
But the aircraft’s ditch switch, designed to reduce flooding during a water landing, was widely reported as not being activated, almost certainly because the crew had only seconds to prioritize what mattered most.—
Tim Burns,
Fortune,
9 June 2026
-
Further analysis indicated that removing certain molecules reshaped the tumor microenvironment and activated several anti-tumor immune responses.—
Ashley Mackin Solomon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 June 2026
Verb
-
Anyone walking past the mini gallery is encouraged to take what speaks to them, and to even drop off bits of their own work.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
7 June 2026
-
Those who experienced the earthquake are encouraged to report it through the USGS Felt Report form.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
7 June 2026
Verb
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Formative minutes stretched on for eternity — winning a track competition, a first kiss — but eight weeks flashed by in a hot hazy glimmer.—
Sophia Solano,
Washington Post,
13 June 2026
-
Folarin Balogun stood at the podium and flashed a bright smile.—
Greg Rosenstein,
NBC news,
13 June 2026
Verb
-
By 1986, this legal jeopardy drove all but one vaccine manufacturer out of the market, with that last survivor poised to abandon vaccines in the US as well.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
-
Evidence shows planned meeting Prosecutors say cell phone geolocation and call records showed Campbell left his home in Anson and drove about 30 minutes to an Abilene hotel to meet the minors.—
Doug Myers,
CBS News,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sparked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sparked. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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