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

One early stop involved the base of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California’s Alabama Hills, where Silbiger captured the photo that sparked the creative vision for her series. — Sarah Silbiger, CNN Money, 25 July 2026

The experience of serving overseas gave Maloney a greater appreciation for family and friends, but also sparked his interest in business. — Claire Hall, Hartford Courant, 25 July 2026

News of Pradhan’s resignation sparked celebrations among the thousands of protesters who have camped at New Delhi’s protest site for more than a month. — ABC News, 25 July 2026

The policy makes Sac State the ninth California State University campus to mandate residential living for freshmen — a change that has sparked debate over affordability and capacity. — The Sacramento Bee Staff, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026

Philadelphia has long operated with a win-now mindset, and that reality has sparked renewed discussion about whether the front office will be able to make the kinds of additions that put the team over the top this year. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026

Waterhouse has famously stayed mum about her relationship with The Batman actor and their child, although Pattinson sparked rumors the couple had a secret wedding during the press tour with his The Drama co-star Zendaya. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 25 July 2026

Fire marshals were still working to determine what sparked the fire. — Emma Seiwell, New York Daily News, 25 July 2026

Christian Louboutin sparked some of the interest in Melides by opening the five-star Vermelho hotel with help from architects Madalena Caiado and Tarek Shamma in April 2023. — Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 24 July 2026