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
Did the crisis highlight the Kafkaesque absurdity of Cold War politics by sparking an international circle-jerk between various representatives from South Korea, North Korea, Japan, America, and the Soviet Union?
—
David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 15 Oct. 2025
By this time, however, Hamas had already begun to eclipse secular rivals in popularity and Palestinian elections held in 2006 led to a victory for the Islamist militant group, sparking clashes with the PA's leading Fatah faction and Hamas' eventual takeover of the territory the following year.
—Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
Dímelo King, celebrated for bridging music and digital storytelling in Colombia, brings a bold and controversy-ready approach, with episodes featuring artists such as Akapellah sparking debates on the authenticity of rap.
—Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2025
An initial 1,300 firings, which followed removals of CDC personnel in February and April, unfolded late last Friday, sparking widespread news coverage of losses.
—Dan Vergano, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2025
Israel had just bombed Iran, sparking a nearly two-week war during which 1,200 Iranians and 31 Israelis were killed.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2025
The devastating military campaign has flattened large swaths of Gaza, displacing thousands of Gazans and sparking a humanitarian crisis and intensifying international backlash.
—Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 13 Oct. 2025
The conversation quickly went viral, sparking debate over whether Newton’s request was reasonable or invasive.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 8 Oct. 2025
Gothic literature of the late-18th and 19th centuries took inspiration from the medieval and the morbid, sparking a fascination with dark romanticism and the occult.
—Sophia Panych, Allure, 8 Oct. 2025
David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 15 Oct. 2025
By this time, however, Hamas had already begun to eclipse secular rivals in popularity and Palestinian elections held in 2006 led to a victory for the Islamist militant group, sparking clashes with the PA's leading Fatah faction and Hamas' eventual takeover of the territory the following year.
—Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
Dímelo King, celebrated for bridging music and digital storytelling in Colombia, brings a bold and controversy-ready approach, with episodes featuring artists such as Akapellah sparking debates on the authenticity of rap.
—Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2025
An initial 1,300 firings, which followed removals of CDC personnel in February and April, unfolded late last Friday, sparking widespread news coverage of losses.
—Dan Vergano, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2025
Israel had just bombed Iran, sparking a nearly two-week war during which 1,200 Iranians and 31 Israelis were killed.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2025
The devastating military campaign has flattened large swaths of Gaza, displacing thousands of Gazans and sparking a humanitarian crisis and intensifying international backlash.
—Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 13 Oct. 2025
The conversation quickly went viral, sparking debate over whether Newton’s request was reasonable or invasive.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 8 Oct. 2025
Gothic literature of the late-18th and 19th centuries took inspiration from the medieval and the morbid, sparking a fascination with dark romanticism and the occult.
—Sophia Panych, Allure, 8 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sparking
Verb
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Regardless of your route, the whole way is lined with Douglas fir and lodgepole pine, sparkling alpine lakes, and the jagged peaks that gave the Sawtooths their name.—
Jacqueline Kehoe,
AFAR Media,
15 Oct. 2025
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Blerta also shared three solo photos on her own Instagram page, including a close-up photo of her sparkling engagement ring.—
Janine Henni,
PEOPLE,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
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At the same time, governments are increasingly relying on industrial policy to promote domestic production and strategic sectors, triggering a global subsidy race that is reshaping competitive dynamics.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
18 Oct. 2025
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His bombastic style, unfiltered rhetoric, and policy disruptions galvanized the Republican base while triggering a seismic reaction among Democrats.—
Nafees Alam,
Boston Herald,
18 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Dave and a rotating cast of smart, thought-provoking guests talk about their inspirations, failures, successes, fame, and identities.—
Todd Spangler,
Variety,
15 Oct. 2025
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Chris Young’s Beyond Earth column explores the intersection of space technology and policy, providing thought-provoking commentary on the latest advancements and regulatory developments in the sector.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Isaiah Rodgers, who played for the Eagles in 2024 and has been becoming a star this season with the Vikings, offered some glowing praise for the Philadelphia star.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Oct. 2025
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The meteors, known for their brightness and speed, travel at about 41 miles per second into Earth's atmosphere and can leave glowing trains, or incandescent bits of debris following the meteor, that last for several seconds to minutes.—
Diana Leyva,
Nashville Tennessean,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In response, Microsoft notes the company is adding further restrictions to activating IE Mode in Edge for non-commercial users.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
13 Oct. 2025
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Then comes Pluto, freshly direct in Aquarius, activating your friendship and community sector.—
Dossé-Via Trenou,
Refinery29,
12 Oct. 2025
Verb
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His message emphasizes calm confidence, encouraging pet parents to embrace their role as the pack leader in their home.—
Madeline Gunderson,
USA Today,
19 Oct. 2025
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Now is a period of stillness — encouraging you to embrace spirituality and trust and flow with the universe.—
Kyle Thomas,
PEOPLE,
19 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Bruce Owens, 49, of Paragould, who was driving the Hyundai, and a minor who was riding in the Jeep and not identified in the report were injured, the report says.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
19 Oct. 2025
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After the video spread on social media, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a post on X that the arrest came as US Border Patrol was driving around conducting immigration enforcement.—
Josh Campbell,
CNN Money,
18 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Looking for stimulating yet budget-friendly things to do with your family in November?—
Jim Higgins,
jsonline.com,
17 Oct. 2025
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Diners begin their meal outside with an appetite-stimulating tomato water-and-herb drink and a trio of bite-size canapés highlighting local fruit, vegetables and Wagyu beef.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sparking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sparking. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.
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