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

The man accused of sparking the biggest of three wildfires in Spokane, Washington, has a long history of mental health issues and previously pleaded guilty in the killing of his father, according to court records obtained by NBC News. — Emanuella Grinberg, NBC news, 4 Aug. 2026

The man accused of sparking the Palisades Fire will be tried again this fall after his first federal arson case ended in a mistrial in June. — ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026

Getty Images YouTuber Hank Green ignited controversy after using generative AI for video production, sparking backlash from fans. — Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Nearly 50,000 migrants rush Spanish enclave sparking crisis Spain said almost 50,000 migrants had crossed into its North African enclave of Ceuta in the last 24 hours, sparking domestic and diplomatic crises. — semafor.com, 3 Aug. 2026

But in 2011, the designer was arrested for antisemitic and racist incidents, which is sparking a backlash to his selection as the subject of the Met's exhibit and its accompanying gala. — Morgan Evans, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026

Doing so could serve the purpose of sparking other suitors into action. — Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 28 July 2026

Some eagle-eyed fans are convinced the picture was taken in the Althorp Estate gardens, sparking speculation that it was captured before the Sussexes visited Princess Diana’s grave. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 27 July 2026

Meanwhile, demand for comfortable and effortless style is sparking interest in low-rise relaxed cuts. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 22 July 2026