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
Affordably priced at just $16, these makeup patches will add sparkle to any look and are applied similarly to a temporary tattoo. Jessica Comstock, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Sep. 2025 Or add sparkle with a stash of condiments at the office, like hot sauce, vinegar, hot honey, Tajín, everything bagel seasoning and furikake. The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
Similar to a margarita, ranch water is made with tequila, lime juice, and sparkling mineral water. Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 29 Sep. 2025 The ’07 Phillies and Rockies, the ’08 Brewers, the ’22 Braves — those teams earned postseason berths with sparkling play late. Tim Britton, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sparkle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sparkle
Verb
  • The mountains glowed with golden light, evoking a sense of enchantment and possibility.
    Lisa Greissinger, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Los Milics was the subject of a glowing profile in the September 2025 issue of Food and Wine Magazine.
    Richard Ruelas, AZCentral.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Stacy’s husband, Mark, the captain of the 2nd Massachusetts, sipped a gleaming Capri Sun.
    Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Enormous glowing planets hung overhead; others were installed at ground level, punctuating the venue’s gleaming black floor.
    Fiona Sinclair Scott, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Here, makeup artist Melissa Hurkman painted Hilton’s eyes in a charcoal shimmer, carrying the color under her eyes and in her waterline.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 3 Oct. 2025
  • But the Chiefs don't have that same unbeatable shimmer around them right now.
    Austin Mock, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Despite the full moon's brightness, the solar activity could still create a stunning auroral display.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Sprigs of ‘Nagami’ semidwarf kumquats add brightness.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The duo shines in front of a deep forward group, carrying Vegas to an incredible regular season and the Golden Knights’ second Stanley Cup championship in four years.
    The Athletic NHL, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
  • When every full moon shines in 2025.
    John Tufts, IndyStar, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Follow the album drop LIVE with USA TODAY Taylor Swift Reporter Byran West and read USA TODAY's glittering review of Swift's playful pop.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The material will bounce light from your tree around the room, and the glittering letters are an inviting way to welcome guests.
    Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Perch yourself in the Hollywood Hills and watch as the city twinkles below at night.
    Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 23 Sep. 2025
  • Properties, however, come up for sale in these locations only slightly more frequently than twinkle-eyed half-boy-half-fish creatures emerge from the sea.
    Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Red jalapeños can be used in any recipe where green jalapeños are normally used, and their bright red coloring can add extra pizzazz to recipes.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Evolving from limited sets of earlier occupations like house servants, seamstress, and farm hands, the showgirl is seen to have mystique, excitement, and pizazz.
    Misty L. Heggeness, Time, 6 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sparkle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sparkle. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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