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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sparking
Ukrainian drones have hit the oil refinery and export terminal in Tuapse on four occasions in just over two weeks, sparking fires that prompted local evacuations and sent up massive plumes of smoke.
—
ABC News, 2 May 2026
Ukrainian drones have hit the oil refinery and export terminal in Tuapse on four occasions in just over two weeks, sparking fires that prompted evacuations and sent up massive plumes of smoke.
—Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2026
The Folsom Business Center discovered several laptops, key cards and other supplies were missing in late April, sparking a police investigation.
—Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 2 May 2026
The skull imagery has been used by law enforcement in recent years, sparking controversy at times.
—Claire Rush, Fortune, 2 May 2026
The huge blaze was finally extinguished Thursday, the local governor said, though another drone attack hit the town’s sea terminal Friday, sparking a fire.
—Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 1 May 2026
If a youth talent infusion isn’t going to be responsible for sparking an offense that has finished 15th or worse in scoring for three straight seasons, then a scheme infusion will need to do the heavy lifting.
—Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2026
One creator in particular, Inssi, is often credited for sparking the rising popularity of azulene.
—Devon Abelman, Allure, 24 Apr. 2026
Boyd first met Harrison in 1964 on the set of A Hard Day's Night, sparking a romance that would place her at the center of one of music's most famous love triangles.
—Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026
ABC News, 2 May 2026
Ukrainian drones have hit the oil refinery and export terminal in Tuapse on four occasions in just over two weeks, sparking fires that prompted evacuations and sent up massive plumes of smoke.
—Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2026
The Folsom Business Center discovered several laptops, key cards and other supplies were missing in late April, sparking a police investigation.
—Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 2 May 2026
The skull imagery has been used by law enforcement in recent years, sparking controversy at times.
—Claire Rush, Fortune, 2 May 2026
The huge blaze was finally extinguished Thursday, the local governor said, though another drone attack hit the town’s sea terminal Friday, sparking a fire.
—Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 1 May 2026
If a youth talent infusion isn’t going to be responsible for sparking an offense that has finished 15th or worse in scoring for three straight seasons, then a scheme infusion will need to do the heavy lifting.
—Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2026
One creator in particular, Inssi, is often credited for sparking the rising popularity of azulene.
—Devon Abelman, Allure, 24 Apr. 2026
Boyd first met Harrison in 1964 on the set of A Hard Day's Night, sparking a romance that would place her at the center of one of music's most famous love triangles.
—Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sparking
Verb
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This beverage is made from the juice of tropical lychee, which is known for its hints of grape, pear, and watermelon, and sparkling water.—
Michele Laufik,
Martha Stewart,
1 May 2026
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The sparkling footwear style featured a pointed toe and classic stiletto heel.—
Jaden Thompson,
Footwear News,
1 May 2026
Verb
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Innlandet County includes a rural area where two private citizens located a smaller collection of 19 silver coins on April 10, triggering the wider archaeological probe that uncovered thousands more.—
Emily Mae Czachor,
CBS News,
30 Apr. 2026
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Having to rely on someone else’s resources can feel triggering when the moon opposes Chiron.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Aliens, dystopian nightmares, and twisted realities are more than likely provoking a reaction from viewers that flies a lot closer to terrified.—
Grace Dean,
Space.com,
2 May 2026
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Through the band members’ stories, Méndez guides readers expertly through a historical landscape that may be unfamiliar to them and examines thought-provoking ideas about art and protest.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
1 May 2026
Verb
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Small but mighty, this two-pack of glowing tiki torches—which also moonlights as an ambient light source—delivers high-quality surround sound.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 May 2026
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The house is dizzyingly animate, like a video game where every object is a glowing grail.—
Olivia Kan-Sperling,
Artforum,
2 May 2026
Verb
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Moët & Chandon, which became the official Champagne sponsor of Formula 1 in 2025, is activating ahead of the 2026 Miami Grand Prix, with focuses both on and off the tracks.—
James Manso,
Footwear News,
1 May 2026
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The same study notes that the hormonal cascade may even dull pain by activating peripheral nerves and autonomic pathways.—
Samantha Agate,
Miami Herald,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Moon in Sagittarius activates your 3rd House of Communication, encouraging direct expression and clearer exchanges.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
4 May 2026
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And the petition would need to name the private entity’s president, director or other corporate officer as the preferred guardian, rather than a business name, with the goal of encouraging more personal responsibility.—
Christy Gutowski,
Chicago Tribune,
3 May 2026
Verb
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After organizers failed to seek authorisation for the event, 600 police officers were deployed on Friday, issuing dozens of fines mainly for the possession of narcotics and driving offences.—
Niamh Kennedy,
CNN Money,
2 May 2026
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The guard has a knack of driving past the point of attack for her own shot or a drive-and-kick opportunity for her teammates.—
Fiifi Frimpong,
New York Daily News,
2 May 2026
Verb
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Desires run deep on April 28, as Venus in Gemini meets with Pluto in Aquarius, creating one of the most magnetic and intellectually stimulating trines of the season.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
28 Apr. 2026
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Key Takeaways Eating a small handful of arugula before meals may gently support digestion by stimulating digestive enzymes, stomach acid, and bile.—
Kathleen Ferraro,
Verywell Health,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sparking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sparking. Accessed 7 May. 2026.
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