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

Messi had a shot saved at the beginning of the second half, but Palacios then sparked a move from one side of the pitch to the other as Nashville restored its lead in the 49th minute and seized control of the game. — Dean Jones, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026

The Correction veteran’s death sparked an outpouring of grief from well-wishers on social media. — Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2026

Questions about Arday’s qualifications were raised publicly last month by Nathan Cofnas, a one-time Cambridge philosophy researcher who left the university after his critique of diversity, equity and inclusion programs sparked widespread protests. — ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026

News, revealed in an earnings call, about Palantir and USA Today sparked debate. — Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026

Plagiarism investigation Questions about Arday’s qualifications were raised publicly last month by Nathan Cofnas, a onetime Cambridge philosophy researcher who left the university after his critique of DEI programs sparked widespread protests. — Sylvia Hui, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026

The rise of this offshore world—in which wealthy forces can keep their lucre safe from any kind of transparency or democratic oversight—also sparked a global revolution in how to undo existing checks on oligarchs’ wealth. — Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2026

Last month’s vote by a Food and Drug Administration advisory panel to ease peptide accessibility restrictions has sparked debate over the safety of this unproven class of therapeutics. — Lyndon Haviland, Washington Post, 14 Aug. 2026

But that core memory is one that sparked what would ultimately shape his future. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2026