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
Astronomers made the rare and extraordinary discovery of an interstellar object in our own solar system on July 1, 2025, sparking a scramble to study the mysterious visitor.
—
Andrew Jones, Space.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Prolonged elevated yields are raising questions on whether higher JGB yields will impact domestic appetite to invest abroad, while also sparking a repatriation of capital.
—Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2025
The early-morning thunderstorms that rumbled across the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys Tuesday also produced nearly 10,000 dry lightning strikes, sparking wildfires from the Mother Lode to the grasslands of eastern Sacramento County.
—Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2025
The owner's post has gone viral with 11,000 upvotes, sparking a wide range of reactions to the dog's unique look.
—Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
Kim Jong Un's daughter, believed to be named Kim Ju Ae, made her first public appearance outside North Korea, sparking speculation about her potential future as a leader.
—Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2025
Valve didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment, but the trademark is sparking plenty of speculation about the company’s hardware plans.
—PC Magazine, 3 Sep. 2025
However, after they were separated, Hicks ran after the women and retaliated, sparking a second altercation.
—Michael Nied, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Wood’s words remain, sparking thought long after the applause fades.
—Llerraj Esuod, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2025
Andrew Jones, Space.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Prolonged elevated yields are raising questions on whether higher JGB yields will impact domestic appetite to invest abroad, while also sparking a repatriation of capital.
—Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2025
The early-morning thunderstorms that rumbled across the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys Tuesday also produced nearly 10,000 dry lightning strikes, sparking wildfires from the Mother Lode to the grasslands of eastern Sacramento County.
—Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2025
The owner's post has gone viral with 11,000 upvotes, sparking a wide range of reactions to the dog's unique look.
—Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
Kim Jong Un's daughter, believed to be named Kim Ju Ae, made her first public appearance outside North Korea, sparking speculation about her potential future as a leader.
—Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2025
Valve didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment, but the trademark is sparking plenty of speculation about the company’s hardware plans.
—PC Magazine, 3 Sep. 2025
However, after they were separated, Hicks ran after the women and retaliated, sparking a second altercation.
—Michael Nied, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Wood’s words remain, sparking thought long after the applause fades.
—Llerraj Esuod, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sparking
Verb
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These sparkling algal blooms are a natural phenomenon, but their abundance and length have increased rapidly since the 1990s, Pensak said.—
Laura Paddison,
CNN Money,
2 Sep. 2025
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Founded by designer Ami Austin in 2004, the firm is known for its impactful interiors, which frequently combine sparkling lighting, rich color palettes, metallic accents, and antiques with presence.—
Elizabeth Stamp,
Architectural Digest,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The last jackpot winner claimed their prize in California on May 31, triggering the current unprecedented streak.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Sep. 2025
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Imagine Maye triggering a triple-option run with Stevenson, keeping the ball and veering off the edge with Henderson behind him.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Gallery hoppers will also find design showcases at the Museu del Disseny at Glòries and thought-provoking contemporary exhibitions at MACBA (The Museum of Contemporary Art of Barcelona).—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
3 Sep. 2025
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Like most of McElwee’s films, including Sherman’s March itself, this one juxtaposes two seemingly unrelated things in surprising and thought-provoking ways.—
Jordan Mintzer,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Ahead of the season, the set has already garnered glowing reviews from Amazon shoppers for its versatility.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 Sep. 2025
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That interaction produces glowing arcs and rays of green and red light.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
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That’s why activating existing natural strengths not only boosts the leader’s self-confidence but also instills trust in the team.—
Gamze Acar Bayraktaroglu,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
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For example, one brain imaging study found that activating opioid receptors in the hypothalamus (often called the control coordinating center of the brain) partially helped with resetting the body’s internal temperature for postmenopausal women.—
Jocelyn Solis-Moreira,
Flow Space,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
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As a practical matter, California making this move will only further inflame the gerrymandering problem, encouraging a further spiral of gerrymandering offsetting Democratic gains in other states.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
7 Sep. 2025
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Walking tours are also gaining prominence, minimizing car use and encouraging a deeper connection with the city.—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Good Fortune follows Reeves as an angel, Gabriel, tasked by his boss, Martha (Sandra Oh), with stopping humans from dying while texting and driving.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Sep. 2025
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Avoid using phones or other distracting behaviors while driving in a work zone.—
Jalen Williams,
Freep.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In this sense, homes offer a more private and personal environment, which can be comfortable and creatively stimulating.—
Megan Williams,
CNN Money,
4 Sep. 2025
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There has been some evidence that stimulating the nervous system in certain ways could make this recovery go faster, and researchers in China wanted to find out if this could be achieved through music.—
Eva Amsen,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sparking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sparking. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.
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