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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sparking
His eerie behavior soon infects the quiet rhythms of their rural town, sparking paranoia, violence, and death.
—
Zac Ntim, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2025
Footage of the incident was widely circulated on TikTok, Facebook and X, fueling global criticism and sparking hashtags such as #StandWithMexico and #JusticeForFatima, Life & Style reported.
—Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
However, the strategic chatterbox has the late Reggie Ossé to thank for sparking his interest in podcasts with the highly regarded and influential Combat Jack Show.
—Jessica Bennett, VIBE.com, 5 Nov. 2025
But centrists responded by arguing that sparking a civil war over reopening the government wouldn’t help the Democratic Party in the long term.
—Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2025
Many critics and fans of the film have noted how the narrative portrays both Clark Kent’s alienness and humanity, sparking considerable online discourse.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 5 Nov. 2025
Many TikTok and Instagram videos are sparking backlash as influencers traveled to Jamaica amid Hurricane Melissa.
—Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 5 Nov. 2025
In September, The National Archives blamed a technician's mistake for the release of Sherrill's unredacted military records -- including her Social Security number -- sparking outrage and an investigation.
—ABC News, 4 Nov. 2025
The Sudanese Army withdrew from a key city in Darfur now under the control of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, sparking fears of mass atrocities by the group, which has reportedly received backing from the UAE.
—Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 29 Oct. 2025
Zac Ntim, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2025
Footage of the incident was widely circulated on TikTok, Facebook and X, fueling global criticism and sparking hashtags such as #StandWithMexico and #JusticeForFatima, Life & Style reported.
—Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
However, the strategic chatterbox has the late Reggie Ossé to thank for sparking his interest in podcasts with the highly regarded and influential Combat Jack Show.
—Jessica Bennett, VIBE.com, 5 Nov. 2025
But centrists responded by arguing that sparking a civil war over reopening the government wouldn’t help the Democratic Party in the long term.
—Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2025
Many critics and fans of the film have noted how the narrative portrays both Clark Kent’s alienness and humanity, sparking considerable online discourse.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 5 Nov. 2025
Many TikTok and Instagram videos are sparking backlash as influencers traveled to Jamaica amid Hurricane Melissa.
—Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 5 Nov. 2025
In September, The National Archives blamed a technician's mistake for the release of Sherrill's unredacted military records -- including her Social Security number -- sparking outrage and an investigation.
—ABC News, 4 Nov. 2025
The Sudanese Army withdrew from a key city in Darfur now under the control of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, sparking fears of mass atrocities by the group, which has reportedly received backing from the UAE.
—Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 29 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sparking
Verb
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Adult tickets for the Saturday Starlight Tour are $139 and include a complimentary charcuterie box, bottled water, and a glass of champagne or sparkling cider.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Her eyes were sparkling with the fun of it all.—
Erin Clack,
PEOPLE,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The Telegraph, which has published anti-BBC commentary for years, reported on the existence of the memo on November 3, triggering days of controversy in the United Kingdom.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
-
The move comes after a single campus, the Leadership Academy at Forest Oak Sixth Grade, received five straight F ratings, triggering a state law that requires the commissioner to intervene.—
Silas Allen,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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At best, all of his perhapses and could have beens will lead to unexpected, thought-provoking conclusions.—
Isaac Butler,
The Atlantic,
3 Nov. 2025
-
This is an installment of The Nightcrawler, a weekly collection of thought-provoking articles on tech, innovation, and long-term investing by Eric Markowitz of Nightview Capital.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Charged particles from the sun interact with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, causing stunning northern lights, or glowing curtains of green, red and purple light that ripple across the sky.—
Briana Waxman,
CNN Money,
12 Nov. 2025
-
Traverse down glowing light tunnels to synchronized Christmas music.—
Caroline Ritzie,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
12 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Voclosporin is a next-generation calcineurin inhibitor (CNI), a class of drugs that suppresses the immune system by blocking calcineurin, an enzyme required for activating T-cells—a type of white blood cell central to immune responses.—
Robert Alexander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
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Mars wraps up its journey through Scorpio, which has been activating your career and legacy zone for weeks.—
Dossé-Via Trenou,
Refinery29,
2 Nov. 2025
Verb
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There was a lot to like about Jovic’s performance on Saturday, with Heat veteran guard Norman Powell pushing and encouraging him along the way.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
9 Nov. 2025
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Salt-n-Pepa also joined in, and the group of artists concluded the set with a call-and-response moment alongside the crowd, encouraging everyone to scream along.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
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While driving - Stick to the middle lanes and stay on elevated ground.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Take extra caution when on the road or avoid driving if possible.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Aside from giving each strain their unique smell, terpenes also contribute to effects where some may be sedating (linalool, terpinene, myrcene), stimulating (limonene, pinene) and have medicinal benefits (caryophyllene, beta caryophyllene).—
Carly Fisher,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
29 Oct. 2025
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Save more serious, heavier pruning for shaping and stimulating new growth for late winter or spring.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
28 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sparking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sparking. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.
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