Synonyms of sparkle

sparkle 1 of 2

verb

ˈspär-kəl 

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

• glow
• shine
• spark
• flash
• twinkle
• scintillate
• burn
• flame
• blaze
• light (up)
• radiate
• flare (up)
• combust

2

as in to gleam

to shoot forth bursts of light

the crystal sparkled in the sunlight

Synonyms & Similar Words

• gleam
• shimmer
• glitter
• glint
• shine
• flash
• twinkle
• glisten
• glow
• glimmer
• lustre
• scintillate
• flame
• luster
• wink
• glance
• glister
• spangle
• coruscate
• dazzle
• beam
• winkle
• radiate
• flare
• blind
• glare
• blaze
• bedazzle
• daze
• burn

sparkle

2 of 2

noun

1

as in shimmer

Related Words

• shimmer
• twinkle
• glitter
• glint
• glow
• glimmer
• gleam
• scintillation
• glare
• luminescence
• fluorescence
• radiance
• light
• sunshine
• sunlight
• moonlight
• shine
• illumination
• flare
• blaze
• flash
• incandescence
• beam
• lustre
• daylight
• ray
• sheen
• aurora
• halo
• sunbeam
• streak
• luster
• polish
• gloss
• stream
• shaft
• reflection
• glisten
• aureola
• aureole
• afterglow

Dissimilar Words

• night
• darkness
• dark
• shadow
• gloom
• dusk
• blackness
• dimness
• duskiness

2

as in brightness

Related Words

• brightness
• pizzazz
• pizazz
• vivacity
• effervescence
• verve
• cheerfulness
• vivaciousness
• buoyancy
• friskiness
• spirit
• chirpiness
• jauntiness
• cheer
• ebullience
• springiness
• eagerness
• vibrancy
• exuberance
• enthusiasm
• liveliness
• vibrance
• vitality
• spiritedness
• animation
• playfulness
• briskness
• sprightliness
• lustiness
• robustness
• ebulliency
• keenness
• peppiness
• jazziness
• pertness
• impishness
• vigorousness

Dissimilar Words

• lifelessness
• inactivity
• anemia
• laziness
• indolence
• lethargy
• weariness
• sleepiness
• dullness
• languor
• sluggishness
• apathy
• listlessness
• torpor
• dulness
• impassivity
• torpidity
• bloodlessness
• tedium
• languidness
• tediousness
• limpness
• spiritlessness
• vapidity
• vapidness
• pallidness

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

Recent Examples of sparkle

Verb

This ornament sextet employs a familiar checkerboard motif, but with a glittery, Art Deco twist to add some sparkle to your tree’s branches. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2025

The mesh upper has a subtle hint of sparkle that instantly elevates any travel outfit, while the supportive soles keep your feet comfortable all day. —Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 20 Oct. 2025

Noun

It’s located right on Palm Beach in the northwest corner of the island and a short drive from Eagle Beach, with its powdery white sand and sparkling turquoise waters. —Mark Ellwood, AFAR Media, 20 Oct. 2025

Co-founded in 2004 by Vanessa Branson (sister to Richard Branson) and business partner Howell James, El Fenn, with its over-the-top rooms, sparkling pools, and signature red-and-white umbrellas, might be one of the most Instagrammed hotels in the world. —Elizabeth Cantrell, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2025