Synonyms of sparked

sparked

verb

past tense of spark

1

as in sparkled

to give off sparks

the broken radio sparked and smoked the instant it was plugged in

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sparkled
• glowed
• flashed
• shone
• burned
• blazed
• scintillated
• twinkled
• lit (up)
• flamed
• radiated
• flared (up)
• combusted

2

as in triggered

to cause to function

interesting questions that are designed to spark the reader's brain

Synonyms & Similar Words

• triggered
• activated
• drove
• generated
• fueled
• moved
• started
• ignited
• powered
• provoked
• set off
• turned on
• charged
• pushed
• ran
• actuated
• touched off
• cranked (up)
• fired
• electrified
• launched
• stimulated
• released
• switched
• energized
• aroused
• incited
• turned over
• instigated
• reactivated
• catalyzed
• excited
• accelerated
• discharged
• tripped
• kick-started
• jump-started
• quickened
• kicked over
• recharged
• stirred up
• stepped up
• sped (up)
• vitalized

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• killed
• cut
• stopped
• shut off
• cut out
• turned off
• halted
• arrested
• checked
• stuck
• stalled
• cut off
• jammed
• drew up
• slowed
• suppressed
• deactivated
• stunted
• repressed
• braked
• decelerated

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

• provoked
• encouraged
• stimulated
• stirred
• inspired
• aroused
• incited
• moved
• instigated
• triggered
• piqued
• excited
• motivated
• impassioned
• ignited
• induced
• drove
• fired (up)
• revved (up)
• kindled
• fanned
• motived
• angered
• galvanized
• activated
• built a fire under
• inflamed
• fomented
• quickened
• energized
• animated
• set off
• enraged
• bothered
• keyed (up)
• upset
• vitalized
• raised
• whipped (up)
• abetted
• pumped up
• teased
• maddened
• aggravated
• got
• taunted
• fermented
• annoyed
• jeered
• irritated
• exasperated
• vexed
• galled

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• calmed
• subdued
• soothed
• appeased
• placated
• pacified
• mollified
• tranquilized

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of sparked

The decision sets up a leadership contest at the bank as Europe faces major inflationary pressures, largely sparked by the war in Iran. — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 29 Oct. 2026

His remarks sparked criticism from senior government figures in Poland. — ABC News, 29 Oct. 2026

That sparked an immediate backlash from unions, which stressed the need for a full investigation, and that one train controller should not be used as a scapegoat for wider systemic problems. — Vasco Cotovio, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2026

The $120 whole chicken sparked plenty of online chatter, though the $65 half-chicken is substantial enough for a party of four. — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026

His go-ahead hit sparked the Brewers to a 5-4 win in Game 2 after Seymour allowed Frelick’s tying home run. — Ronald Blum, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026

The union’s highest-profile victory against The Wonderful Company, one of the world’s largest agricultural businesses, sparked a years-long legal fight over the validity of the card check law. — Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2026

In 2019, former Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil sparked a firestorm of controversy by criticising China for its treatment of the country’s Uighur Muslim population. — Tom Williams, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026

As the shooting sparked demonstrations for gun reform, Pearson joined two Democratic representatives—Justin Jones, also African American, and Gloria Johnson—to propose new gun-safety measures. — Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026