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 stark contradiction between classroom theory and real world events sparked his curiosity regarding financial systems and influenced his perspective on how economic policy should manage operational risks. — CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026

The Iran war sparked a rise of inflation earlier this year, squeezing household budgets and dampening consumer sentiment. — Max Zahn, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2026

If anything, such excessive spending from the world’s richest man sparked a backlash and counter-campaign insisting Texas was not for sale. — Diane Brady, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2026

Donald, sparked by the Rams’ trade for Garrett in June, came out of a two-year retirement to rejoin a team that opened the season as the Super Bowl favorite. — Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026

Sweet treats include a new limited-time cake pop inspired by the Bearista Cold Cup, which sparked a fan frenzy during last year’s holiday merchandise drop. — Erin Clements, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2026

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

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

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