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
• burnt
• shined
• shone
• burned
• blazed
• scintillated
• twinkled
• lit (up)
• lighted (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
• ignited
• started
• fuelled
• provoked
• powered
• set off
• turned on
• charged
• pushed
• actuated
• ran
• touched off
• run
• cranked (up)
• fired
• launched
• stimulated
• electrified
• released
• switched
• energized
• aroused
• incited
• turned over
• instigated
• reactivated
• catalyzed
• excited
• accelerated
• discharged
• tripped
• kick-started
• quickened
• jump-started
• kicked over
• recharged
• stirred up
• vitalized
• stepped up
• sped (up)
• speeded (up)

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
• animated
• energized
• set off
• enraged
• enflamed
• bothered
• keyed (up)
• upset
• vitalized
• raised
• whipped (up)
• abetted
• pumped up
• teased
• got
• maddened
• aggravated
• taunted
• fermented
• annoyed
• jeered
• irritated
• exasperated
• vexed
• galled
• vext

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• calmed
• subdued
• soothed
• appeased
• tranquillized
• placated
• tranquilized
• pacified
• mollified

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of sparked

The show gave local independent musicians exposure on its soundtrack, increased the popularity of venues like The Bluebird Cafe, inspired cast tours and years later, sparked reunion tours. —Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 5 Oct. 2025

TikToker and books commentator Kenzie Deerin, who was introduced to the series in middle school, says the vampiric tale sparked her love for the fantasy romance genre. —Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025

Running back Brady Powell sparked the comeback by breaking three tackles en route to an 11-yard touchdown rush. —Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Oct. 2025

The lack of a unified plan across all parks and sparse details outlined by official government resources has sparked confusion about which places parkgoers can visit or if the shutdown has caused sites to temporarily shutter their services. —Alana Wise, NPR, 4 Oct. 2025

Negotiations toward this aim progressed under the Biden administration, which tied such a deal to the kingdom agreeing to establish ties with Israel, but unraveled after Hamas' October 7, 2023, surprise attack on Israel sparked a regional conflict. —Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025

The initial decision to sideline Dixon sparked an uproar on UNC’s campus, with members of the university’s community rallying in support – and against – the professor on Wednesday. —Julia Bonavita , Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2025

At a speaking engagement at Dartmouth’s Thayer School of Engineering, Murati made comments about AI’s impact on creative jobs that sparked significant backlash. —Dave Smith, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025

His remarks sparked a modest pullback on Wall Street, with major indexes easing slightly over the week. —Benzinga, Freep.com, 27 Sep. 2025