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

His goal sparked wild celebrations inside St Mary’s, none more so than in the press box, where Southampton’s analysts, doing the opposite of keeping a low profile amid the allegations levelled at the club, were enthusiastically bouncing around. —Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 13 May 2026

The case spurred scrutiny of Utah's family court system and reunification practices and sparked debates about parental alienation and how allegations of child abuse are investigated. —Janelle Griffith, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026

The video sparked a widespread discussion about the complimentary device and its cleanliness. —Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 13 May 2026

The dispute was sparked two weeks ago when Sharon Sardina heard from a friend that her 17-year-old son was being discussed online. —Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026

Earlier this year, a woman’s negative Facebook comments about Meiner led to police officers showing up at her home — an incident that went viral and sparked a wave of backlash from free speech groups. —Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 13 May 2026

In York County, the approval process itself — conducted largely behind the scenes — has sparked opposition by way of petitions and road signage. —Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2026

That sparked a civil war and Charles’ eventual beheading. —Alexander Smith, NBC news, 13 May 2026

Built by casino owners in 1962 at the height of tiki fever, the low-rise house channels the postwar Polynesian craze sparked in part by soldiers returning from the Pacific and further fueled by pop culture phenomena such as Elvis Presley’s 1961 hit movie Blue Hawaii. —Zoey Goto, Architectural Digest, 6 May 2026