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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sparking
The hotter temperatures are sparking changes in precipitation—rainier rains and drier droughts.
—
Amy Green, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
The confrontation is sparking a conversation about theater etiquette.
—Kristie Keleshian, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
The shooting comes amid heightened tensions between federal immigration authorities and Minneapolis officials, after DHS deployed thousands of additional officers to the area in recent days, sparking protests and backlash from city leaders.
—Stepheny Price , Alexandra Koch , Bill Melugin, FOXNews.com, 8 Jan. 2026
Playing on the name of Judd Apatow’s 2008 film Step Brothers, the pair unveiled the first installment of their series of the same name over a decade ago, sparking a cult-classic run that now spans four installments and multiple deluxe editions.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 8 Jan. 2026
The new reporting comes a day after an ICE agent fatally shot a woman in Minneapolis on Wednesday, sparking protests and uproar across the country.
—Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 8 Jan. 2026
Video of the shooting has quickly spread, sparking outrage and protests.
—Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
Video shows the moments leading up to the fatal shooting by ICE agents of a 37-year-old woman identified as Renee Good, an American citizen, in Minneapolis that is sparking outrage.
—Maggie Vespa, NBC news, 8 Jan. 2026
Andrew and Ferguson's Christmas there was expected to be their last at Royal Lodge, sparking speculation that their daughters might join them then.
—Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
Amy Green, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
The confrontation is sparking a conversation about theater etiquette.
—Kristie Keleshian, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
The shooting comes amid heightened tensions between federal immigration authorities and Minneapolis officials, after DHS deployed thousands of additional officers to the area in recent days, sparking protests and backlash from city leaders.
—Stepheny Price , Alexandra Koch , Bill Melugin, FOXNews.com, 8 Jan. 2026
Playing on the name of Judd Apatow’s 2008 film Step Brothers, the pair unveiled the first installment of their series of the same name over a decade ago, sparking a cult-classic run that now spans four installments and multiple deluxe editions.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 8 Jan. 2026
The new reporting comes a day after an ICE agent fatally shot a woman in Minneapolis on Wednesday, sparking protests and uproar across the country.
—Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 8 Jan. 2026
Video of the shooting has quickly spread, sparking outrage and protests.
—Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
Video shows the moments leading up to the fatal shooting by ICE agents of a 37-year-old woman identified as Renee Good, an American citizen, in Minneapolis that is sparking outrage.
—Maggie Vespa, NBC news, 8 Jan. 2026
Andrew and Ferguson's Christmas there was expected to be their last at Royal Lodge, sparking speculation that their daughters might join them then.
—Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sparking
Verb
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Per its Sotheby's auction listing, scrolls of diamonds are interrupted by sparkling floral motifs, while a romantic heart emblem sits at the center.—
Bailey Bujnosek,
InStyle,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Turner paired her sleek black mules with a sparkling metallic skirt and top set from Self-Portrait and a long black coat from Fforme.—
Jaden Thompson,
Footwear News,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The Telegraph, which has published anti-BBC commentary for years, reported on the existence of the memo on November 3, triggering days of controversy in the United Kingdom.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
-
The move comes after a single campus, the Leadership Academy at Forest Oak Sixth Grade, received five straight F ratings, triggering a state law that requires the commissioner to intervene.—
Silas Allen,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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When Russia, another strategic partner, invaded Ukraine in 2022, China stopped short of condemning Moscow or opposing the war, instead parroting Russian narrative of blaming on the United States and its NATO allies for provoking the conflict.—
Steven Jiang,
CNN Money,
6 Jan. 2026
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Rather, many Iranians instead blamed the leadership for either provoking the conflict or failing to meaningfully defend the country from Israeli – or American – bombs.—
Kamran Talattof,
The Conversation,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Glow-in-the-dark outsoles represent glowing engine headers, and the shoe’s color-shifting eggplant purple upper takes a page from custom car wraps.—
Riley Jones,
Footwear News,
7 Jan. 2026
-
On Monday, the actress uploaded a new selfie showing off her glowing complexion.—
Hannah Malach,
InStyle,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
There was also the possibility of the Panthers activating interior offensive lineman Chandler Zavala ahead of Saturday’s game.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Jan. 2026
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This is especially significant to consider early in the year when Saturn and Neptune join forces in Aries, activating a part of your chart that governs intimacy, trust and emotional merging.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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There was a lot to like about Jovic’s performance on Saturday, with Heat veteran guard Norman Powell pushing and encouraging him along the way.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Salt-n-Pepa also joined in, and the group of artists concluded the set with a call-and-response moment alongside the crowd, encouraging everyone to scream along.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
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While driving - Stick to the middle lanes and stay on elevated ground.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Take extra caution when on the road or avoid driving if possible.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Instead of stimulating the brain, alcohol slows it down and loosens inhibitions.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
10 Jan. 2026
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So to ensure that everyone is working in harmony, the exec is revamping the usual chain of command; Colgate’s top leaders are hearing out entry-level staffers, stimulating the flow of ideas between ranks and generations to generate the best possible outcome.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sparking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sparking. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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