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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sparking
Bitcoin has struggled through 2026, plunging to half its October peak and sparking fears of an imminent bitcoin collapse.
—
Billy Bambrough, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
While backing its longtime partner Iran rhetorically, China has been measured in its criticism of the US for sparking the conflict and held multiple calls and meetings with Gulf states that came under Iran’s attack.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 20 June 2026
McGinn created two chances early in the second half, sparking one with a takeaway at midfield before being taken down by another controversial El Aynaoui challenge.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 20 June 2026
Good died at the the scene from gunshot wounds to her head, sparking a series of protests in the Twin Cities.
—Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 20 June 2026
Kelsey Mitchell poured in 26 points and hit her 700th career three-pointer, sparking a wild fourth-quarter run to tie it late.
—Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026
In 2019, a Beluga whale turned up on the Norwegian coast wearing a harness that appeared to have a mount for a small camera, sparking speculation that it had been trained to spy for the Russian navy.
—Frank Andrews, CBS News, 12 June 2026
The Knicks lost 115-111, ending their streak and immediately sparking speculation online that the lucky bag had something to do with it.
—ABC News, 12 June 2026
In Wednesday’s 8-0 win against the Arizona Diamondbacks, seven of the nine Marlins players who came to the plate recorded a hit, sparking one of the team’s most complete performances of the season.
—Tyler Carmona
june 11, Miami Herald, 11 June 2026
Billy Bambrough, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
While backing its longtime partner Iran rhetorically, China has been measured in its criticism of the US for sparking the conflict and held multiple calls and meetings with Gulf states that came under Iran’s attack.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 20 June 2026
McGinn created two chances early in the second half, sparking one with a takeaway at midfield before being taken down by another controversial El Aynaoui challenge.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 20 June 2026
Good died at the the scene from gunshot wounds to her head, sparking a series of protests in the Twin Cities.
—Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 20 June 2026
Kelsey Mitchell poured in 26 points and hit her 700th career three-pointer, sparking a wild fourth-quarter run to tie it late.
—Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026
In 2019, a Beluga whale turned up on the Norwegian coast wearing a harness that appeared to have a mount for a small camera, sparking speculation that it had been trained to spy for the Russian navy.
—Frank Andrews, CBS News, 12 June 2026
The Knicks lost 115-111, ending their streak and immediately sparking speculation online that the lucky bag had something to do with it.
—ABC News, 12 June 2026
In Wednesday’s 8-0 win against the Arizona Diamondbacks, seven of the nine Marlins players who came to the plate recorded a hit, sparking one of the team’s most complete performances of the season.
—Tyler Carmona
june 11, Miami Herald, 11 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sparking
Verb
-
With the sparkling Sun highlighting your 2nd House of Resources, your practical side asks for clear values and simple, flexible plans for everyday resources this week.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
21 June 2026
-
It’s been keeping windows sparkling clean since 1936.—
Melissa Locker,
Southern Living,
19 June 2026
Verb
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Scientists have discovered that seismic waves from Japan’s devastating 2011 earthquake traveled to Earth’s core and back, triggering a second tectonic slip event that shifted the country eastward by up to 6 millimeters.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
18 June 2026
-
Feels-like temperatures are expected to soar up to 120 degrees in parts of Texas on Thursday, June 18, triggering extreme heat warnings and advisories in several parts of the state, according to the National Weather Service.—
Natassia Paloma,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
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,
15 June 2026
-
Experts don’t fully agree on how helpful a low-histamine diet—which limits histamine-provoking foods—is for systemic mastocytosis.—
Gagandeep Brar,
Health,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
The pants have close to 6,000 five-star ratings and plenty of glowing reviews to boot.—
Annie Blackman,
InStyle,
22 June 2026
-
Humans of all ages, in fact, stare dazed into glowing screens.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
19 June 2026
Verb
-
Sprinting entails pushing off with your feet and abruptly activating your calf muscles.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
-
More time is devoted to setting up the dramatic situation than to activating it.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
Verb
-
Tree was recognizable for his bright fashion, mullet haircut with prominent bangs, thin mustache and encouraging outlook.—
Dennis Romero,
NBC news,
22 June 2026
-
Bad choices like that are a through-line for this whole story, all the way back to Otto Hightower encouraging his daughter, Alicent, to befriend Rhaenyra’s father, King Viserys.—
Sean T. Collins,
Vulture,
22 June 2026
Verb
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The woman who was driving the sedan was taken to a local Shock Trauma Center after sustaining serious injuries.—
CBS Baltimore Staff,
CBS News,
21 June 2026
-
Not to be overshadowed by the outfielder’s efforts, Cody Morrissette also went 3 for 5, with one home run, as well as driving home Wallner with a two-out single to end the game.—
Staff Report,
Twin Cities,
21 June 2026
Verb
-
Performance benefits often persist even in habitual users, even if the stimulating feel-good buzz fades.—
Samantha Agate,
Charlotte Observer,
13 June 2026
-
Not only does the brand’s shampoo and conditioner make my hair feel so clean and look so shiny, but both formulas are also jam-packed with strengthening ingredients—avocado oil, olive oil, milk thistle, and growth-stimulating rosemary—that make the combo genuinely feel like a worthwhile luxury.—
Olivia Cigliano,
InStyle,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sparking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sparking. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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