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
The 28-year-old star finished the ivory look with long red nails, sparkling Bulgari jewels and — of course — her 5.02-carat diamond and 18-karat white gold engagement ring (designed by Jessica McCormack) from fiancé and former Spider-Man co-star Tom Holland. Danielle Directo-Meston, HollywoodReporter, 5 May 2025 In the meantime, keep those feeders sparkling clean and the nectar fresh. Joan Morris, Mercury News, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
If mom prefers a bit of sparkle, snag this topaz rope pendant necklace that’s on sale for $96 or available in aquamarine and opal versions for a higher price. Ali Faccenda, People.com, 1 May 2025 The track feels organized and immersive, and the percussion is given plenty of sparkle in the high-end, without venturing into harsh territory. PC Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sparkle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sparkle
Verb
  • This pageant of puppetry includes a flutter of butterflies, a goat with a plaintive bleat, a menagerie of wild animals and, at one point, a school of glowing fish.
    Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2025
  • Reserve a late-afternoon session in the upstairs tasting room, order cheese and charcuterie, and watch the glowing sun set on the hills.
    Anya von Bremzen, AFAR Media, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • Infused with a generous amount of hydrating passion fruit oil and softening fig-pulp extract, the bullet glides on effortlessly, leaving behind hydrated lips with a layer of gorgeous, gleaming color on top.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 15 May 2025
  • Skip Sprays and Shines While gleaming leaves look great, synthetic leaf shine sprays are likely to do more harm than good.
    Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 May 2025
Noun
  • With flushed cheeks extending from the apples to the temples, lips softly lined, and light-catching shimmer on the eyes, romantic glam elevates soft glam with a whimsical, spring-ready twist.
    Larry Stansbury, Essence, 8 May 2025
  • When oil shimmers, add onion; cook, stirring frequently, until onion is translucent, 2-3 minutes.
    Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 2 May 2025
Noun
  • That’s about the same brightness as Polaris, the North Star, the 48th brightest star in the night sky.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
  • The large 27-inch screen has a dreamy 5K resolution—an uncommon combo, hence the steep price—and hits 600 nits of brightness.
    Brenda Stolyar, Wired News, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • The Nuggets’ experience shined bright, making the right plays in the clutch, while OKC looked lost at times.
    Nick Crain, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
  • The spotlight shined squarely on Dawson’s shoulders Monday.
    Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • The actress carried a matching teal purse and gemstone necklace. 12 of 12 Dakota Johnson For the Kering Women in Motion Awards, Dakota Johnson wore a glittering Gucci gown with a halter neckline and sheer skirt.
    Catherine Santino, People.com, 19 May 2025
  • Deals, a jetliner and lifted Syria sanctions In Qatar, Trump will take part in a second glittering state dinner and seek to strike commercial deals.
    Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • What sets this place apart (besides the mini movie theater and thoughtful layout) is the private garden, complete with twinkle lights, lounge seating, and a leafy canopy perfect for slow breakfasts or late-night wine.
    Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 1 May 2025
  • Francine Kiefer/The Christian Science Monitor The two friends have stopped to talk on Carriage House Road, where the crowning jewel of the holiday light show stands – a three-level property where every inch twinkles, right up to the tops of the palm trees.
    Francine Kiefer, The Christian Science Monitor, 19 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • This orange floral maxi dress has a similar feel to hers, and it’s given extra pizzazz with trendy puff sleeves and a long, tiered skirt.
    Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 2 May 2025
  • Buzz and pizzazz Before Vreeland, coverage of the gala was limited to society pages and publications like Women’s Wear Daily.
    Elizabeth Castaldo Lundén, The Conversation, 1 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sparkle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sparkle. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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