1
as in sparkling
to give off sparks
the broken radio sparked and smoked the instant it was plugged in
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in triggering
to cause to function
interesting questions that are designed to spark the reader's brain
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in provoking
to rouse to strong feeling or action
President Kennedy's inspirational speeches sparked a generation of young idealists to enter the public arena
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Recent Examples of sparking
And part of that is when Tru came in the game, both offensively and defensively — his way of sparking us and just having active hands and playing in the passing lanes.
—
Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2026
Many rigorous studies show that these ads can benefit patients’ health by encouraging them to seek lifesaving treatment for conditions such as depression and heart disease and sparking conversations with their doctors.
—Anna Chorniy, The Conversation, 27 Feb. 2026
The album is credited with sparking a resurgence of interest in bluegrass and old-time folk sounds, and also introduced a new generation of listeners to the music.
—Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 27 Feb. 2026
The surge has drawn the attention of influencers and media outlets alike, sparking reactions that range from laughter and bewilderment to outright anger.
—ABC News, 27 Feb. 2026
Henderson scored 15 points off the bench Wednesday night, sparking the Crusaders to a 66-58 win over Richards in a Class 4A Lincoln-Way Central Regional semifinal game in New Lenox.
—Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026
The younger man began yelling at Finale, sparking an argument, officials said.
—Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 26 Feb. 2026
The White House announced the construction in July and by October had launched a sudden and complete clearing of the East Wing to make way for the ballroom, sparking concern from critics, preservationists and a few former residents, including former first ladies Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton.
—Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 26 Feb. 2026
Fire risk is declining somewhat after wildfires in Oklahoma spread quickly across the state this week, causing thousands of acres of damage and sparking short evacuations.
—Cheyenne Derksen, Oklahoman, 21 Feb. 2026
Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2026
Many rigorous studies show that these ads can benefit patients’ health by encouraging them to seek lifesaving treatment for conditions such as depression and heart disease and sparking conversations with their doctors.
—Anna Chorniy, The Conversation, 27 Feb. 2026
The album is credited with sparking a resurgence of interest in bluegrass and old-time folk sounds, and also introduced a new generation of listeners to the music.
—Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 27 Feb. 2026
The surge has drawn the attention of influencers and media outlets alike, sparking reactions that range from laughter and bewilderment to outright anger.
—ABC News, 27 Feb. 2026
Henderson scored 15 points off the bench Wednesday night, sparking the Crusaders to a 66-58 win over Richards in a Class 4A Lincoln-Way Central Regional semifinal game in New Lenox.
—Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026
The younger man began yelling at Finale, sparking an argument, officials said.
—Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 26 Feb. 2026
The White House announced the construction in July and by October had launched a sudden and complete clearing of the East Wing to make way for the ballroom, sparking concern from critics, preservationists and a few former residents, including former first ladies Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton.
—Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 26 Feb. 2026
Fire risk is declining somewhat after wildfires in Oklahoma spread quickly across the state this week, causing thousands of acres of damage and sparking short evacuations.
—Cheyenne Derksen, Oklahoman, 21 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sparking
Verb
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For very little effort and time—this process took 2 minutes flat—you’ll be rewarded with a sparkling sink.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
1 Mar. 2026
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There were also loose floral dresses, tight and slouchy leather garments, statement fur coats and plenty of sparkling or lustrous looks.—
Jaden Thompson,
Footwear News,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The gruesome discovery would eventually lead authorities to a third woman, in her 80s, killed a few towns over, triggering a manhunt across several states and prompting a two-day closure of schools in Wayne County.—
Holly Yan,
CNN Money,
5 Mar. 2026
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Skiing safely through avalanche terrain and planning ahead to avoid triggering a slide is part of this courtesy, according to the advocacy group.—
Camila Pedrosa,
Sacbee.com,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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When not in the newsroom, Munis is often out on the streets with his camera, capturing the perfect portrait or settling in to watch a thought-provoking film.—
Munis Raza,
Interesting Engineering,
2 Mar. 2026
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Scrubsnyc are a pair of internet trolls who livestream videos of themselves appearing to harass everyday New Yorkers, provoking outrage, and often finding themselves being thrown out of apartment buildings, bodegas and other establishments.—
Emma Seiwell,
New York Daily News,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
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As a result, a ring of fire phenomenon can be seen, as the sun’s outer edge appears like a glowing circle around the moon.—
Lily Hautau,
CNN Money,
2 Mar. 2026
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Pilots can see bad weather lurking in the distance hours before takeoff, glowing like a wraith on their digital maps.—
Burkhard Bilger,
New Yorker,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Check each of several sprinkler system zones individually, allowing the system to slowly fill with water before activating the zones.—
Louise Parks,
Martha Stewart,
27 Feb. 2026
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Add a bubbling undercurrent of fresh talent, an influx of new labels activating across the week, and the halo effect of the Winter Olympics, which concluded on February 22, and there’s a lot to consider at MFW FW26, running from February 24 to March 1.—
Lucy Maguire,
Vogue,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The bill contains provisions encouraging local and state governments to build more housing.—
Zach Halaschak,
The Washington Examiner,
2 Mar. 2026
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There is a lot of change happening on the home front, encouraging you to remodel parts of your dwelling.—
Lisa Stardust,
Vogue,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Take extra caution when on the road or avoid driving if possible.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
28 Feb. 2026
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Police said it is now believed Daniels was driving the vehicle as Minor opened fire.—
Marvin Hurst,
CBS News,
28 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The result is essentially an arbitrary purity test that tightens capital access necessary for creating American jobs and stimulating local economies.—
Krish O'Mara Vignarajah,
Baltimore Sun,
3 Mar. 2026
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The Form Insoles combine mechanical arch support with a neuro-stimulating texture, which is proven to reduce foot fatigue and arch pain by increasing overall foot awareness and foot posture.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
2 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sparking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sparking. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.
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