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
Savannah’s absence sparked questions when the 54-year-old wasn’t at her normal seat at the anchor’s desk alongside Craig Melvin.
—
Lara Walsh, InStyle, 17 June 2026
The move has sparked concerns among environmental law experts.
—Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 17 June 2026
Days after the awards show, their red carpet kiss sparked criticism and Bunnie addressed it on her Dumb Blonde podcast.
—Daniela Avila, PEOPLE, 17 June 2026
South Africa's government has condemned a spate of attacks on foreigners sparked by a recent rise in anti-migrant sentiment from some groups.
—ABC News, 17 June 2026
Kenya’s plan to become the first African nation to sell its citizens’ data has sparked privacy concerns, but the government said the strategy will support innovation and insisted personal information will be protected.
—Vivianne Wandera, semafor.com, 17 June 2026
Although bear attacks are rare, the incident has rattled some residents in the small mountain community and sparked a probe by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
—Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2026
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
Lara Walsh, InStyle, 17 June 2026
The move has sparked concerns among environmental law experts.
—Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 17 June 2026
Days after the awards show, their red carpet kiss sparked criticism and Bunnie addressed it on her Dumb Blonde podcast.
—Daniela Avila, PEOPLE, 17 June 2026
South Africa's government has condemned a spate of attacks on foreigners sparked by a recent rise in anti-migrant sentiment from some groups.
—ABC News, 17 June 2026
Kenya’s plan to become the first African nation to sell its citizens’ data has sparked privacy concerns, but the government said the strategy will support innovation and insisted personal information will be protected.
—Vivianne Wandera, semafor.com, 17 June 2026
Although bear attacks are rare, the incident has rattled some residents in the small mountain community and sparked a probe by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
—Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sparked
Verb
-
After a cleaning and polish at a local jeweler, the ring sparkled like new.—
Elle Meyers,
CBS News,
17 June 2026
-
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
Verb
-
That triggered a wave of similar initiatives by politicians across America, many of whom would like similar ticket allocations.—
Adam Crafton,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
-
How scent memories differ from other senses Memories triggered by smell tend to share a few signature qualities.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Charlotte Observer,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
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
-
After exposing the bones to a high-energy blue light, the team used an optical filter to see which of them glowed red.—
Sahas Mehra,
Scientific American,
19 June 2026
-
The sandstone bowl of a stadium built in 1924 glowed gold.—
Jonathan Cohen,
SPIN,
13 June 2026
Verb
-
Once activated, this anti-nausea band releases a specific pattern of pulses that stimulate the median nerve under the skin.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 June 2026
-
Get complimentary subscriptions to Apple TV and Apple Music for a minimum of one year when activated by June 22, 2027, a value of $288 annually.—
Jason Stauffer,
CNBC,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
Those who experienced the earthquake are encouraged to report it via the USGS Felt Report form.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
15 June 2026
-
Although the concept encouraged spaces that felt open, airy, and perfectly curated, in practice, the trend was anything but practical.—
Cori Sears,
The Spruce,
14 June 2026
Verb
-
Nearly 30 years before the prodigious young soccer player made his mark on this World Cup, the Freeman name flashed across a Seattle scoreboard after a productive day in another kind of football.—
Rick Maese,
Washington Post,
20 June 2026
-
Jack Strand, an undrafted rookie with a big frame and strong arm, has flashed — but his profile projects as a practice squad member for this fall.—
Daniel Flick,
AJC.com,
19 June 2026
Verb
-
During the off-season, a board member drove by Harris Roads Field, home of the Ypsilanti National Little League, and made an alarming discovery.—
Veronica Ortega,
CBS News,
17 June 2026
-
Larnach drove the game’s second pitch 425 feet deep into the right-field seats.—
Staff,
Twin Cities,
17 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sparked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sparked. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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