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

This weekend marked 25 years since two batches of anthrax-laden envelopes were mailed from New Jersey to Capitol Hill, sparking panic across the country. — Amanda Erickson, STAT, 28 Sep. 2026

However, the night took a turn when Kanye West ambushed Swift’s acceptance speech, creating one of the most infamous moments in the awards show’s history — and subsequently sparking a years-long feud with Swift. — Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2026

As violent crime has declined in the years following the pandemic, domestic homicides were one of the few categories that were on the rise in 2025, sparking calls to action from law enforcement officials and advocates. — Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026

The mobile shelter concept was an attempt to bring new shelter beds to the area without sparking opposition from residents. — Michael Cuglietta, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Sep. 2026

The ballot battle emerged from a Riverside County pilot program meant to boost voter confidence — a handwritten tally that ultimately fell about 46,000 votes short of the official count, sparking claims of fraud. — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026

It’s finished in sparking Pacific Teal and features a black T-top similar to that found on the old 300ZX. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 24 Sep. 2026

Just days before the primary, Collins told reporters that Donalds wasn’t sparking enthusiasm with voters. — Michael Van Sickler, Sun Sentinel, 23 Sep. 2026

Mining for copper fell in the first half of the year relative to the same period in 2025, sparking fears over long-term supplies of the metal, which is key for the clean energy transition and building data centers. — Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 21 Sep. 2026