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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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
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 See All Example Sentences for sparkle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sparkle
Verb
  • Shaped like glowing maple leaves, the six-piece set brings all the cozy fall vibes while brightening up driveways, walkways, and garden paths.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The Emerald Cave glows bright green when sunlight hits the water just right.
    Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Critics see gleaming towers rising from desert sand and detect not ambition but emptiness — a city with an unlimited line of credit, but without a soul.
    Bobby Ghosh, Time, 29 Oct. 2025
  • The West Wing’s White House represented a sacred workplace with gleaming wood and flattering lighting that was populated with smart people trying to do good for the country.
    Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 27 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The striking arrow shapes are an empowering accessory, yet there’s a subtlety in the muted bronze, ebony, and antique diamonds (which have a softer shimmer than modern cuts).
    Jill Newman, Robb Report, 19 Oct. 2025
  • The soft shimmer can make everything from a jacket to sweatpants look elegant.
    Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • While the stellar extent of the galaxy is normally only shown to overlap with the bright dusty disk, superior techniques can reveal the low surface-brightness halo and streams around it.
    Big Think, Big Think, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Magnitude is the scale used to measure the apparent brightness of objects in the night sky.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Her mission is to be an example of overcoming adversity, reminding the world that true success comes from working with love, respect, and shining without dimming the light of others.
    Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Worryingly, star striker Jorgen Strand Larsen has not received a single big chance in his 455 minutes of action, having shone as a poacher in 2024-25, converting 10 of 23 such opportunities.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Siwa’s mother, Jessalyn, and father, Tom, were painstakingly gluing the glittering stones on every inch of her tour costumes, down to her Nike Air Force 1s.
    Scottie Andrew, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Hilton matched the high-shine of the crystals on the shoe with a glittering black slipdress.
    Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Reeves has the perfect little twinkle in his eye as this well-meaning angel, but the actor is especially endearing once Gabriel has to get used to being a flesh-and-blood person.
    Tim Grierson, Vulture, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Princess Märtha Louise, 54, then put her hand over the camera, and to the tune of twinkle music, she and Durek, 50, reappeared in lavender outfits.
    Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Her most recent collection was brimming with Wales Bonner’s signature high-low tailoring, adding pizzazz to formal tailoring and her signature pearl touches, as noted in WWD’s review.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2025
  • One way to add a bit of pizzazz to your wardrobe is to put on a fringe jacket.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sparkle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sparkle. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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