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
The incident comes as the city continues to reel in the aftermath of the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer, which sparked nationwide protests and exacerbated tensions in a community already on edge over a surge in federal agents.
—
Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 15 Jan. 2026
Keyonte George, who sparked Utah's comeback with 15 points in the final period, missing a 3-pointer that would have won it.
—CBS News, 15 Jan. 2026
Good's death has sparked nationwide protests.
—N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 15 Jan. 2026
The retreat sparked criticism from other Democrats and spurred the filing of more than a dozen ethics complaints against Opportunity Caucus members.
—Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 14 Jan. 2026
The report and delay have sparked a wide variety of reactions by those who have closely watched the law as it was written and implemented.
—Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2026
Her killing has sparked national outrage, prompting waves of protest and clashes with federal officials across the state and the country.
—Sarah Davis, The Hill, 14 Jan. 2026
That wasn't the first time Kelce sparked conversation about his hair.
—Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026
Like the 49ers’ opening drive, the Eagles sparked theirs on their second snap, when Saquon Barkley ran 29 yards down the right side once Sam Okuayinonu and Deommodore Lenoir bit inside.
—Cam Inman, Mercury News, 12 Jan. 2026
Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 15 Jan. 2026
Keyonte George, who sparked Utah's comeback with 15 points in the final period, missing a 3-pointer that would have won it.
—CBS News, 15 Jan. 2026
Good's death has sparked nationwide protests.
—N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 15 Jan. 2026
The retreat sparked criticism from other Democrats and spurred the filing of more than a dozen ethics complaints against Opportunity Caucus members.
—Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 14 Jan. 2026
The report and delay have sparked a wide variety of reactions by those who have closely watched the law as it was written and implemented.
—Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2026
Her killing has sparked national outrage, prompting waves of protest and clashes with federal officials across the state and the country.
—Sarah Davis, The Hill, 14 Jan. 2026
That wasn't the first time Kelce sparked conversation about his hair.
—Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026
Like the 49ers’ opening drive, the Eagles sparked theirs on their second snap, when Saquon Barkley ran 29 yards down the right side once Sam Okuayinonu and Deommodore Lenoir bit inside.
—Cam Inman, Mercury News, 12 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sparked
Verb
-
Priyanka Chopra Jonas also sparkled in Bulgari, wearing a spectacular sapphire showstopper with a huge 14-carat stone at the center.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Diamond bracelets also sparkled at her wrists.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The torrential downpours on Thursday triggered both a flood advisory and flash flood warnings across the city and suburbs.—
William Lee,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Jan. 2026
-
The agreement resolves an antitrust review by the attorney general’s office triggered by the state’s ‘notice of material change’ statute, according to Tong’s office.—
Livi Stanford,
Hartford Courant,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The case, which has shone a spotlight on chronic staff shortages and funding gaps in the country's medical system, has provoked anger and bewilderment from Russian politicians and online commentators.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
14 Jan. 2026
-
The shooter received 40 years to life, but the boy’s father now is suing his mother, alleging her aggressive driving provoked the fatal shooting.—
Hannah Fry,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
On the red carpet, celebrities like Jennifer Garner and Ayo Edebiri glowed in shimmering, embellished ensembles; on stage, meanwhile, comedian Nikki Glaser reprised her hosting duties for the second year in a row.—
Emma Banks,
InStyle,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Scherzinger glowed with an excited expression, her arms raised again in the air.—
Danielle Minnetian,
FOXNews.com,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
During this cruise phase, the team activated and tested the onboard instruments.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Some models may also feature a steam clean setting that can be activated after every use to prevent a starch buildup.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
But Flint encouraged people to attend the commissioners’ court meeting and speak against the Comanche Circle proposal.—
Elizabeth Campbell,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Jan. 2026
-
All retailers are being encouraged to honor customer claims.—
Austen Erblat,
CBS News,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Attending as a nominee for Best Original Song, the singer, 33, flashed her new engagement ring from fiancé Maxx Morando on the red carpet.—
Michelle Lee,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
-
At several points during the Golden Globes Sunday night, between acceptance speeches and Nikki Glaser bits, a list of percentages flashed onscreen.—
Aidan McLaughlin,
Vanity Fair,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The process is called cabotage and the merchants who plied the shores of the Mediterranean not only drove trade, but also increased interactions between cultures.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 Jan. 2026
-
Jake Davis made a 3-pointer, and Wagler drove inside for a three-point play.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
15 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sparked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sparked. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
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