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

Growing concern over microplastics and sustainability is sparking a wave of plastic-free coffee pods and machines. — Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2026

The pirate crew is said to have tortured, killed and raped those aboard the royal ship, sparking global outrage and what is considered the first worldwide manhunt. — ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026

On Tuesday, an offshore trough – a bundle of cooler low pressure air through the upper atmosphere – will slide across Northern California with quickly sparking showers and rumbles of thunder as temperatures cool further. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 2 Nov. 2026

Tuesday’s election was seen by many Israelis as a chance to finally establish what allowed Hamas to attack Israeli towns and kill about 1,200 people, sparking a devastating, ongoing war in Gaza. — Lior Soroka, Washington Post, 31 Oct. 2026

That's because SpaceX raised fees for the Residential and Roam plans and for Standby Mode by $5 and $10 in May, sparking some complaints from users. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 29 Oct. 2026

Polling shows the race has grown increasingly close, sparking concern from Republicans. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026

Following light snowfall and a lackluster ski season, the Boise area experienced a series of heat waves and persistent drought conditions, sparking a number of devastating fires. — Hali Smith october 25, Idaho Statesman, 25 Oct. 2026

She was arrested and charged with second-degree child endangerment after her daughter reportedly arrived at school with sunburns, sparking a media frenzy over Krentcil's extreme tanning habits and parenting. — Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026