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
Decades ago, two six-year-olds went missing for thirty-six hours, sparking a media frenzy that they had been briefly abducted by UFOs but eventually relegating them to a pop cultural punchline.
—
Literary Hub, 1 June 2026
Bitcoin has swung wildly over the last few months as a sudden BlackRock bitcoin fund sell-off accelerates, sparking fears of a bitcoin price crash.
—Billy Bambrough, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
The nuclear plant has repeatedly come under fire since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, sparking fears of a nuclear accident.
—Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026
Brazilian health authorities are monitoring two patients for possible Ebola infection in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, officials said, sparking further concern of the deadly virus outbreak in central Africa spreading abroad.
—CBS News, 31 May 2026
The news helped to renew enthusiasm in the AI trade, sparking a broader rally in tech.
—Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 30 May 2026
Thankfully, joy-sparking colors are trending again, including a traditionally spring hue that still delivers a luxe, understated feel.
—Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 30 May 2026
The hope is sparking children’s love for reading through nonfiction and quick lit (also known as early chapter books).
—Kansas City Star, 29 May 2026
The video quickly went viral, surpassing 9 million views and sparking thousands of mixed reactions online.
—Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026
Literary Hub, 1 June 2026
Bitcoin has swung wildly over the last few months as a sudden BlackRock bitcoin fund sell-off accelerates, sparking fears of a bitcoin price crash.
—Billy Bambrough, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
The nuclear plant has repeatedly come under fire since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, sparking fears of a nuclear accident.
—Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026
Brazilian health authorities are monitoring two patients for possible Ebola infection in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, officials said, sparking further concern of the deadly virus outbreak in central Africa spreading abroad.
—CBS News, 31 May 2026
The news helped to renew enthusiasm in the AI trade, sparking a broader rally in tech.
—Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 30 May 2026
Thankfully, joy-sparking colors are trending again, including a traditionally spring hue that still delivers a luxe, understated feel.
—Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 30 May 2026
The hope is sparking children’s love for reading through nonfiction and quick lit (also known as early chapter books).
—Kansas City Star, 29 May 2026
The video quickly went viral, surpassing 9 million views and sparking thousands of mixed reactions online.
—Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sparking
Verb
-
Still and sparkling water comes from an in-house purification plant.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 June 2026
-
The Diablos’ emergence showed with three sparkling defensive plays and a lead going into the bottom of the fifth inning.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
31 May 2026
Verb
-
The economic strain is triggering a broader pullback in consumer spending and retail traffic.—
Arthur Zaczkiewicz,
Footwear News,
4 June 2026
-
MacDougall also argued that directing the drug to work on one tooth specifically may not be possible, potentially triggering unwanted tooth growth across several teeth.—
Victor Tangermann,
Futurism,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
The Lounge hosts rotating art exhibits, spotlighting thought-provoking pieces like ceramics from Thai artist Bathma Kaew-Ngok and showstopping floral arrangements by Naomi Daimaru.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
For years, people took photos of themselves on the 666 to Hel and shared them on social media, relishing the coincidence of a bus to a beach resort provoking mental images of damnation, thanks to the similarity of the town's name to the English word hell.—
Anna Noryskiewicz,
CBS News,
1 June 2026
Verb
-
For glowing skin, get the plumping thirst relief facial, which involves a nori algae mask and organic marine products only found at Shangri-La Boracay.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
From its glowing critical reception to its significant awards recognition, the series resonated with UK audiences in a way that felt truly profound.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
1 June 2026
Verb
-
By activating its regional proxy, the Houthis in Yemen, Iran could orchestrate the closure of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, blocking another vital artery connecting major trade routes between Europe, Asia and the Arab world.—
CNN Staff,
CNN Money,
29 May 2026
-
That means activating our downtown with farmers markets, cultural events, outdoor gatherings, and community programming that gives residents a reason to be there.—
Mercury News Editorial Board,
Mercury News,
29 May 2026
Verb
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After returning to the United States, investigators say O’Rourke continued the alleged scam by encouraging friends and family members to organize additional fundraising events on her behalf.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
31 May 2026
-
One partner gets a little embarrassed, but the other lightens the mood and keeps encouraging them.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
Verb
-
That’s when Angotti got going, driving a ball over the left-center-field fence.—
Kevin J. Farmer,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 May 2026
-
These reforms stripped the dominant Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) of its historical control of the regional government, driving it into active opposition.—
Nimi Princewill,
CNN Money,
31 May 2026
Verb
-
The honors program provides students with innovative and stimulating academic programming through high-impact learning practices.—
Aegis,
Baltimore Sun,
28 May 2026
-
Cinnamon can be used for everything from germination to protecting plants from pests and diseases, from stimulating plant growth to as a natural antiseptic, fungicide, and pest repellent.—
Michelle Mastro,
The Spruce,
23 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sparking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sparking. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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