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 chain’s choice to partner with a competitor rather than using an energy drink affiliated with Coke, like Monster, has sparked speculation about the state of the companies’ more than 70-year-long relationship. — Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 22 Aug. 2026

The left-wing online pundit has sparked controversy over comments critics have condemned as antisemitic, as well as his views on the 9/11 terrorist attacks. — Britta Miller, The Washington Examiner, 22 Aug. 2026

The storms were sparked by a cold front that brought heavy rain and the threat of flash flooding, the National Weather Service says. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 22 Aug. 2026

The Lincoln has been at sea for an extended deployment during the Iran war, which sparked concerns among lawmakers and military families after reports of the crew’s worsening mental health and conditions aboard. — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

Pham-Ngoy scored a 13-yard run on third-and-8 to cap a swift drive sparked by the Mariners’ special teams. — Dan Albano, Oc Register, 21 Aug. 2026

The moment sparked a brief exchange between the two star guards, though television microphones did not clearly pick up what was said. — Chantz Martin Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2026

In stoppage time, a Marcelo foul on Cesc Fabregas sparked a touchline melee, during which Mourinho poked then-Barca assistant coach Tito Vilanova in the eye. — Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Now their popularity has sparked a fight over who, if anyone, owns them. — Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 21 Aug. 2026