Synonyms of sparking

sparking

verb

present participle of spark

1

as in sparkling

to give off sparks

the broken radio sparked and smoked the instant it was plugged in

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sparkling
• glowing
• flashing
• shining
• burning
• scintillating
• blazing
• twinkling
• flaming
• radiating
• lighting (up)
• combusting
• flaring (up)

2

as in triggering

to cause to function

interesting questions that are designed to spark the reader's brain

Synonyms & Similar Words

• triggering
• activating
• driving
• generating
• powering
• igniting
• moving
• fueling
• starting
• provoking
• running
• charging
• pushing
• setting off
• actuating
• firing
• cranking (up)
• turning on
• touching off
• electrifying
• launching
• stimulating
• energizing
• switching
• releasing
• inciting
• discharging
• arousing
• tripping
• reactivating
• exciting
• accelerating
• turning over
• instigating
• catalyzing
• recharging
• vitalizing
• kicking over
• quickening
• kick-starting
• jump-starting
• stirring up
• speeding (up)
• stepping up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• killing
• cutting
• stopping
• checking
• cutting out
• sticking
• shutting off
• arresting
• halting
• turning off
• stalling
• braking
• cutting off
• jamming
• suppressing
• drawing up
• slowing
• deactivating
• repressing
• decelerating
• stunting

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

• provoking
• encouraging
• stimulating
• stirring
• arousing
• inciting
• inspiring
• moving
• instigating
• exciting
• triggering
• motivating
• igniting
• driving
• inducing
• firing (up)
• revving (up)
• piquing
• impassioning
• fanning
• motiving
• galvanizing
• inflaming
• activating
• building a fire under
• kindling
• energizing
• angering
• fomenting
• animating
• quickening
• vitalizing
• bothering
• enraging
• setting off
• fermenting
• keying (up)
• raising
• upsetting
• abetting
• teasing
• whipping (up)
• taunting
• pumping up
• jeering
• getting
• maddening
• irritating
• aggravating
• annoying
• exasperating
• vexing
• galling

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• calming
• soothing
• subduing
• tranquilizing
• appeasing
• pacifying
• placating
• mollifying

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of sparking

Asia’s rapid data center buildout is sparking local pushback, as governments’ urge to capture value in the AI investment boom runs into constituents’ environmental and health concerns. — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 2 Sep. 2026

Three baby goats at a North Carolina petting zoo tested positive for rabies, sparking a statewide search for people who interacted with the animals. — Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 1 Sep. 2026

Many more were imperiled by muddy water racing through the narrow ravines, sparking frantic rescue missions for dozens. — Holly Yan, CNN Money, 1 Sep. 2026

Several photos and videos of her strutting down the runway at PrettyLittleThing’s Miami Swim Week event went viral in early June 2026, sparking conversation about her transformation. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 1 Sep. 2026

The series is inspired by the real-life phenomenon of fans meeting and sparking a connection at Cubs games. — William Earl, Variety, 31 Aug. 2026

Besides sparking public interest in science, the prizes have helped raise researchers’ profiles by increasing their media exposure and public recognition. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Aug. 2026

But this weekend’s flyby was especially low and dramatic, generating global interest after it was shown as part of the pregame broadcast, and sparking a flurry of videos shot by witnesses. — Michelle Gumede, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026

The family's decision to return home to Harry's home country after six years in California shocked both sides of the Atlantic, sparking a range of reactions from confusion to celebration. — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026