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
The Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Saturday in Texas, capturing the franchise's first championship since 1973 and sparking jubilant scenes throughout the city.
—
Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2026
Eleven current and former nurses in Newton-Wellesley Hospital’s fifth floor maternity wing were diagnosed with brain tumors, sparking concern from employees and the community.
—Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 14 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
This need for data sovereignty is sparking demand for local data centers in key geographies, which is ultimately driving up the total cost of providing AI services.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 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
Several photos and videos of her strutting down the runway at PrettyLittleThing’s Miami Swim Week event have gone viral, sparking conversation about her transformation.
—Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 11 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
The complaints also allege that sparking or downed power lines exacerbated the inferno.
—Tony Saavedra, Daily News, 10 June 2026
Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2026
Eleven current and former nurses in Newton-Wellesley Hospital’s fifth floor maternity wing were diagnosed with brain tumors, sparking concern from employees and the community.
—Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 14 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
This need for data sovereignty is sparking demand for local data centers in key geographies, which is ultimately driving up the total cost of providing AI services.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 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
Several photos and videos of her strutting down the runway at PrettyLittleThing’s Miami Swim Week event have gone viral, sparking conversation about her transformation.
—Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 11 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
The complaints also allege that sparking or downed power lines exacerbated the inferno.
—Tony Saavedra, Daily News, 10 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sparking
Verb
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This cool pearl blonde glimmers against a buttery backdrop for a sparkling champagne effect.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
13 June 2026
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With eight grams of clean protein packed into each can and zero grams of sugar, the sparkling beverage — made in Fruit Punch, Strawberry Lemon and Peach Mango four-packs — works as a grab-and-go energizer without the chalky texture of pre-workout or a post-caffeine crash.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
11 June 2026
Verb
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The 2026 Social Security Trustees Report moved the program’s day of reckoning squarely into the next presidential term, projecting that the retirement trust fund will be depleted in 2032 — triggering an automatic 22% cut to every retirement and survivor benefit.—
Teresa Ghilarducci,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
-
Iran’s hold over the critical Middle Eastern passageway has discouraged activity in the area, triggering a sweeping blockage of oil tankers and a global energy emergency.—
Emily Hallas,
The Washington Examiner,
10 June 2026
Verb
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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,
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
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Cellphone footage shows two glowing red orbs floating across the sky.—
Collin Binkley,
Fortune,
15 June 2026
-
Speaking about the division race during the teams series this week, New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns offered a glowing assessment of the rival club that has become one of the National League’s toughest opponents.—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
Verb
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Philadelphia declared a heat health emergency for Thursday and Friday, activating cooling centers, home visits by field teams, outreach to people experiencing homelessness and other services.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
12 June 2026
-
Wisp will be activating at Pride events in New York City this month, with staff on the ground having one-on-one conversations.—
Geri Stengel,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
Verb
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That is why some of the city’s most promising ideas involve encouraging investment while preserving character.—
Sarah M. Boye,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 June 2026
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Grinberg now shares her experience online to raise awareness about lung cancer in younger patients and never-smokers, while encouraging others to trust themselves when something doesn't feel right.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
14 June 2026
Verb
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And much of their Finals journey was overshadowed by the OJ Simpson case that began with a white Ford Bronco slowly driving down Southern California freeways in the middle of the opening game.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
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Investigators said Morabia Siddhi Suresh, 33, of Fremont, California, had been driving in rainy conditions when she was involved in a separate collision, according to Kentucky State Police.—
Anthony Thompson,
USA Today,
14 June 2026
Verb
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Apollo Neuro reviews have been piling up across the internet as more people try the wearable device that aims to rebalance the nervous system by stimulating the vagus nerve.—
Samantha Agate,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 June 2026
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In a new study published in PLOS, researchers analyzed 161 fossils with a new rapid and non-destructive protocol, based on stimulating the bone remains with an external energy source, called luminescence.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
6 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sparking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sparking. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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