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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of sparked
Those sparked an 11-0 Denver run to close the quarter, during which Boston missed two layups and was outpaced in transition.
—
Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 26 Feb. 2026
But residents say the issue’s persistence has hurt businesses and sparked anxiety.
—Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 25 Feb. 2026
Recent product releases from Anthropic have sparked sharp declines in cybersecurity and software stocks, but yesterday's rollout wasn't seen as threatening to the software industry as Wall Street feared.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 25 Feb. 2026
The crosswalk’s removal sparked indignation in Celeste Padilla, who lives nearby.
—Alex Driggars, Austin American Statesman, 25 Feb. 2026
In early February, a 59-year-old Halethorpe man died after a lighter sparked an accidental house fire, Baltimore County Fire officials said.
—Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 25 Feb. 2026
Duff, who starred on the network's beloved Lizzie McGuire series, and Lohan, who starred in several Disney original films like Get A Clue and Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen, sparked rumors of a long-standing feud due to a love triangle involving the late pop star Aaron Carter.
—Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Feb. 2026
Lingham sparked a 7-0 run by Overlea for a 45-42 lead by turning a rebound or steal into fastbreak baskets by his teammates.
—James Peters, Baltimore Sun, 25 Feb. 2026
The instructive halftime remarks of H-F coach Tony Smith also sparked a sense of urgency.
—Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 26 Feb. 2026
But residents say the issue’s persistence has hurt businesses and sparked anxiety.
—Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 25 Feb. 2026
Recent product releases from Anthropic have sparked sharp declines in cybersecurity and software stocks, but yesterday's rollout wasn't seen as threatening to the software industry as Wall Street feared.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 25 Feb. 2026
The crosswalk’s removal sparked indignation in Celeste Padilla, who lives nearby.
—Alex Driggars, Austin American Statesman, 25 Feb. 2026
In early February, a 59-year-old Halethorpe man died after a lighter sparked an accidental house fire, Baltimore County Fire officials said.
—Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 25 Feb. 2026
Duff, who starred on the network's beloved Lizzie McGuire series, and Lohan, who starred in several Disney original films like Get A Clue and Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen, sparked rumors of a long-standing feud due to a love triangle involving the late pop star Aaron Carter.
—Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Feb. 2026
Lingham sparked a 7-0 run by Overlea for a 45-42 lead by turning a rebound or steal into fastbreak baskets by his teammates.
—James Peters, Baltimore Sun, 25 Feb. 2026
The instructive halftime remarks of H-F coach Tony Smith also sparked a sense of urgency.
—Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sparked
Verb
-
Kerry Washington sparkled at the 2026 BAFTAs in a navy blue Prada apron gown on February 22.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Rare coins and high-end jewelry sparkled in glass display cases.—
Maliya Ellis,
Houston Chronicle,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Those scenarios could either be triggered by new snow falling on existing snow; a cornice, or mass of hanging snow, falling; or a human trigger.—
Caelyn Pender,
Mercury News,
25 Feb. 2026
-
In the early morning of July 4, 2025, flooding triggered by unrelenting rain that overwhelmed the Guadalupe River swept away dozens of girls at the historic camp.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
During his opening statement, Deputy Public Defender Denis Lainez conceded that his client committed the shootings, but said he was provoked by what the attorney described as a dedicated campaign by Bushey’s sister to oust him from the home.—
City News Service,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 Feb. 2026
-
Their experimental nature and immersion in lesbian love often provoked rejection depending on the taste or orientation of the viewer.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The actress, also sharing the laughter, glowed in a sleeveless black dress layered with necklaces and bracelets, leaning in with a warm smile — the vibe appeared to be relaxed, romantic and very much coupled up.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
12 Feb. 2026
-
The festivities began with a tea reception at the Hotel Chelsea, where the storied hallways glowed with lamplight.—
Anna Grace Lee,
Vogue,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Fifield’s squad car was positioned on the right shoulder/emergency lane of eastbound I-80 with its emergency lights activated.—
Post-Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Getting Ayton activated has been a positive for the Lakers.—
Broderick Turner,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
As a result, there is far less destructive pressure and no reason to specialize too soon, and young athletes are encouraged to try out multiple sports.—
Don Riddell,
CNN Money,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Restaurant recommendations are highly encouraged, given how popular the outlets are with even Hong Kong residents.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
After charging to a quick 5-0 lead and holding on — literally, in some cases — for dear life as Martinez rallied, Hruby celebrated her victory with arms held high and flashed double threes at the crowd.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
22 Feb. 2026
-
When Stolz finished and his time flashed on the arena’s video boards, Ning began jumping up and down with other members of China’s team.—
Howard Fendrich,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Prosecutors said Maurer, of Coalinga in Fresno County, deliberately drove his pickup truck into the children and adults.—
Darrell Smith,
Sacbee.com,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Police are investigating a dramatic crash Tuesday where an SUV drove onto the sidewalk and barrelled into a vendor in downtown Los Angeles’ flower district, injuring six people.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sparked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sparked. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
