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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of sparking
Later that year, Britain declared war on Germany, sparking World War II.
—
Kate Perez, USA Today, 15 Mar. 2026
In 2006, Joshua Duckett’s two-year-old son, Trenton Duckett, went missing on a warm August night in Leesburg, sparking a nationwide search and global media sensation.
—Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2026
On Thursday, a man rammed his car into a synagogue on the outskirts of Detroit, Michigan, sparking a blaze.
—CBS News, 14 Mar. 2026
For the past year, public concern over immigration operations in Austin has kept residents on edge, producing recurring rumors of ICE enforcement surges and sparking ample protests.
—Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin American Statesman, 13 Mar. 2026
As service begins at a fine dining restaurant’s Los Angeles residency, allegations of the chef’s abusive workplace practices have resurfaced, sparking backlash, protests and major sponsors like American Express and dining concierge startup Blackbird pulling out.
—Shindy Chen
march 13, Charlotte Observer, 13 Mar. 2026
Last week, a Carson High School staff member was put on leave for allegedly sparking a series of fights on campus.
—Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026
Photos of Tan circulated widely across social media, sparking the same kind of stunned reactions that continue to surface today with his 60th birthday.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 12 Mar. 2026
Early Thursday, a container ship was hit with a projectile off the coast of Dubai, sparking a small fire, according to British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Center.
—Natalie Melzer, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026
Kate Perez, USA Today, 15 Mar. 2026
In 2006, Joshua Duckett’s two-year-old son, Trenton Duckett, went missing on a warm August night in Leesburg, sparking a nationwide search and global media sensation.
—Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2026
On Thursday, a man rammed his car into a synagogue on the outskirts of Detroit, Michigan, sparking a blaze.
—CBS News, 14 Mar. 2026
For the past year, public concern over immigration operations in Austin has kept residents on edge, producing recurring rumors of ICE enforcement surges and sparking ample protests.
—Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin American Statesman, 13 Mar. 2026
As service begins at a fine dining restaurant’s Los Angeles residency, allegations of the chef’s abusive workplace practices have resurfaced, sparking backlash, protests and major sponsors like American Express and dining concierge startup Blackbird pulling out.
—Shindy Chen
march 13, Charlotte Observer, 13 Mar. 2026
Last week, a Carson High School staff member was put on leave for allegedly sparking a series of fights on campus.
—Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026
Photos of Tan circulated widely across social media, sparking the same kind of stunned reactions that continue to surface today with his 60th birthday.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 12 Mar. 2026
Early Thursday, a container ship was hit with a projectile off the coast of Dubai, sparking a small fire, according to British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Center.
—Natalie Melzer, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sparking
Verb
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Wearing his sparkling gold and purple Kobe’s, Payton II made sure to hold his lefthanded follow through as boo’s rained down from the Madison Square Garden crowd.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
16 Mar. 2026
-
In contrast to the gown’s sparkling neutral backdrop, black rhinestones depicting a tranquil mountain forest scene crawled up Hudson’s sides to her chest, around her hips, and down to her knees.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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After Hamas attacked Israel, on October 7, 2023, triggering a broad Israeli military campaign in Gaza, Israel killed Hamas leaders and decimated its military capabilities.—
Sudarsan Raghavan,
New Yorker,
12 Mar. 2026
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Duke's Malibu Duke's reopening timeline was pushed back several times after heavy rain soaked the bare hillsides, triggering mudslides throughout the burn scar, some of which filled the restaurant's property.—
Matthew Rodriguez,
CBS News,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
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When not in the newsroom, Munis is often out on the streets with his camera, capturing the perfect portrait or settling in to watch a thought-provoking film.—
Munis Raza,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Mar. 2026
-
While teasing Season 2 and what’s to come, the series’ creators tout the advantages the audio format offers for thought-provoking science fiction.—
Jordaan Ashley,
Variety,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The driver switches the radio silent, the world glowing around them.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 Mar. 2026
-
The reports from the back fields were immediately glowing.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Physical controls remain especially useful for functions drivers use frequently, such as adjusting the audio system volume, changing climate settings and activating hazard lights.—
Chris Teague,
AJC.com,
13 Mar. 2026
-
If activating brown fat increases energy expenditure, could it be harnessed to treat obesity?—
Claudio Villanueva,
The Conversation,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The Moon, planet of emotions, soars into your 9th House of Philosophy today, encouraging you to explore ideas, cultures, or beliefs that soften sharp edges.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
16 Mar. 2026
-
The program is designed to foster stronger connections at the local level, encouraging neighbors to communicate, collaborate and celebrate one another.—
Chuck Page,
Mercury News,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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This intense demand is driving significant activity among niche data providers.—
NILESH CHRISTOPHER LOS ANGELES TIMES,
Arkansas Online,
15 Mar. 2026
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Objects that are outdoors should be secured and caution should be taken if driving.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Mowing regularly and at the proper height promotes a lush, dense lawn by stimulating root growth and lateral shoot development.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
8 Mar. 2026
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Another benefit of cutting rates would be stimulating the purchase of steel-heavy purchases like appliances and cars, Kopf said.—
Brian Cheung,
NBC news,
5 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sparking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sparking. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
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