sparkle 1 of 2

1
as in to glow
to give off sparks while fireworks that sparkle may be entertaining to look at, they can be highly dangerous when used indoors

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2

sparkle

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb sparkle contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of sparkle are flash, gleam, glimmer, glint, glisten, glitter, and shimmer. While all these words mean "to send forth light," sparkle suggests innumerable moving points of bright light.

the sparkling waters

Where would flash be a reasonable alternative to sparkle?

While the synonyms flash and sparkle are close in meaning, flash implies a sudden outburst of bright light.

lightning flashed

When might gleam be a better fit than sparkle?

Although the words gleam and sparkle have much in common, gleam suggests a steady light seen through an obscuring medium or against a dark background.

lights gleamed in the valley

When is glimmer a more appropriate choice than sparkle?

The words glimmer and sparkle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, glimmer suggests a faint or wavering gleam.

a distant glimmering light

In what contexts can glint take the place of sparkle?

In some situations, the words glint and sparkle are roughly equivalent. However, glint implies a cold glancing light.

glinting steel

When would glisten be a good substitute for sparkle?

The meanings of glisten and sparkle largely overlap; however, glisten applies to the soft sparkle from a wet or oily surface.

glistening wet sidewalk

When can glitter be used instead of sparkle?

The words glitter and sparkle can be used in similar contexts, but glitter connotes a brilliant sparkling or gleaming.

glittering diamonds

When is it sensible to use shimmer instead of sparkle?

While in some cases nearly identical to sparkle, shimmer means shining with a wavering light.

a shimmering satin dress

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of sparkle
Verb
City of Round Rock Senior Prom at Baca Center Come join the sparkle, shimmer and good vibes at the Baca Center Senior Prom. Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 The black cherry note is rich and juicy without being cloying, and the bergamot and Calabrian lemon add this gorgeous sparkle that keeps things from getting too heavy. Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 27 June 2025
Noun
This book is like a summer storm: brief, intense, and leaves the world sparkling once it’s done. Vogue, 29 July 2025 There’s even a rare deal on SodaStream sparkling water maker, which allows club soda fans to make their own fizzy water at home instead of barreling through wasteful cans and plastic bottles. Clara McMahon, People.com, 26 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for sparkle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sparkle
Verb
  • Flaky croissants warm in glowing bakeries, accordion notes drift through the air, and lovers linger by the Seine.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Photographer Josh Dury captured a breathtaking view of Perseid meteors raining down alongside the glowing band of the Milky Way towards the Durdle Door rock formation on the coast of Dorset in the UK.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • By scaling personalization in unprecedented ways, tele-sales companies can stop frustrating the masses and instead seek out that gleaming needle in the haystack.
    Michael Ashley, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • In the gleaming chrome and fresh paint of each vehicle at their events, there is a story of persistence, investment, and pride.
    Melissa Noel, Essence, 2 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Then rise to the rooftop pool—its steamy shimmer offering panoramic views of Bath’s golden skyline.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
  • Likeness shimmers like a house of mirrors with its continuously distorting understandings of what love is supposed to be.
    Gabrielle Bellot, Literary Hub, 29 July 2025
Noun
  • This means that the light source features red, green and blue lasers that merge for 5,000 ANSI lumens brightness and 110% coverage of the BT.2020 color space.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Aug. 2025
  • For brightness and crunch, the salad is tossed with a citrus vinaigrette and, just before serving, garnished with cilantro and smoked almonds.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • When is the Venus-Jupiter pairing? Venus and Jupiter are making their close approaches to one another and will shine brightly to the east before sunrise throughout August, according to NASA.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 5 Aug. 2025
  • The pitching duo of Cayden Hugh and Samantha Bradley has shone for Lake Mary.
    Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • From glittering holographic hues to color-changing polishes, these are eye-catching colors that will have your date asking all about them.
    Sarah Boyd, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Thanks to my job advising nonprofits and wealthy individuals on their philanthropy and fundraising, my inbox was filled with glittering opportunities.
    Alisha Fernandez Miranda, People.com, 5 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The drums punch and plod like textbook EDM; indistinguishable synths twinkle.
    Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 17 July 2025
  • Yorke’s slow track twinkles with dread, setting the emotional temperature for what’s to come.
    JP Mangalindan, Time, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • The app impresses thanks to its eye-catching maps and social features that add flair to a category not known for its pizzazz.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Its speed, curves, and pizzazz, without being tacky, were so different from anything else on the water that the first hull was sold outside Italy, reportedly to a former New York governor who kept the Italian stallion incognito, outside the view of tax-payers.
    Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 23 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sparkle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sparkle. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

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