1
as in glows
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
as in gleams
to shoot forth bursts of light
the crystal sparkled in the sunlight
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sparkles
Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 29 Jan. 2026
One of the most magical ways to experience the Eiffel Tower doesn't require a ticket; simply watch the nightly illuminations, when the landmark sparkles for five minutes every hour, on the hour.
—Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026
Yet the primary bath, where a parade of midcentury Italian and Austrian lighting sparkles against an expanse of dramatic Paonazzo marble, is somehow even dreamier.
—David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 21 Jan. 2026
Additionally, hometown hero and skier Gus Kenworthy acts as host for the entire week, which features events like the blow-out White Party, a drag and burlesque show with both national and local talent, and the Glitter Ball where anything that sparkles is in fashion.
—Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 13 Jan. 2026
The sunshine sparkles upon the ripples of the gently moving water, which is clear and colored like tea by natural plant tannins.
—Amy Green, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
Here, Mock shares the mistakes that are standing between you and a bathroom that truly sparkles.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 6 Jan. 2026
For The Washington Post As the days get shorter, the nights longer, and the air has grown so chilled that even the gentlest of breezes feels like a slap in the face, the city sparkles with twinkling lights everywhere.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Dec. 2025
Her mind sparkles with idyllic childhood memories, but her present situation hardly resembles those happier times.
—Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 14 Nov. 2025
Verb
The natural grass field sparkles with lush green and football lines painted onto the surface.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 29 Jan. 2026
One of the most magical ways to experience the Eiffel Tower doesn't require a ticket; simply watch the nightly illuminations, when the landmark sparkles for five minutes every hour, on the hour.
—Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026
Yet the primary bath, where a parade of midcentury Italian and Austrian lighting sparkles against an expanse of dramatic Paonazzo marble, is somehow even dreamier.
—David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 21 Jan. 2026
Additionally, hometown hero and skier Gus Kenworthy acts as host for the entire week, which features events like the blow-out White Party, a drag and burlesque show with both national and local talent, and the Glitter Ball where anything that sparkles is in fashion.
—Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 13 Jan. 2026
The sunshine sparkles upon the ripples of the gently moving water, which is clear and colored like tea by natural plant tannins.
—Amy Green, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
Here, Mock shares the mistakes that are standing between you and a bathroom that truly sparkles.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 6 Jan. 2026
For The Washington Post As the days get shorter, the nights longer, and the air has grown so chilled that even the gentlest of breezes feels like a slap in the face, the city sparkles with twinkling lights everywhere.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Dec. 2025
Her mind sparkles with idyllic childhood memories, but her present situation hardly resembles those happier times.
—Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 14 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sparkles
Verb
-
Each packs several pieces of shrimp in a thick, chewy wheat-starch wrapper that glows almost silvery under the light.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Feb. 2026
-
The bill was able to move forward after Castillo agreed to a carve-out for GloFish, a type of fish that glows due to the insertion of Green Flourescent Protein (GFP) into its DNA.—
Kate Wolffe,
Sacbee.com,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Like Beckham’s dress, the 100-percent silk dress softly gleams in the light.—
Izzy Baskette,
PEOPLE,
12 Dec. 2025
-
Despite a couple of funky skips, the album is fueled by the hunger of an artist who really wants the pop life again, perking up electro-scuzz and arena rock with new wave that gleams like glitter.—
Pitchfork,
Pitchfork,
4 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Lake Zurich 18-9 (3) Addison Leonard’s outstanding defense against Libertyville star Lily Fisher sparks the Bears, who surge to the top of the North Suburban Conference.—
Bobby Narang,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Feb. 2026
-
Their collaboration sparks unlikely friendships and sets off consequences none had anticipated.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
All the while, the river shimmers in the sun, blue then green, then melancholy and moody as cloud shadows sweep overhead.—
Roger Naylor,
AZCentral.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
For the celebratory event, Gomez and nail artist Tom Bachik chose an on-theme bronze nail polish combo that shimmers like the surface of the sun.—
Kara Nesvig,
Allure,
15 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Downtown, the Plaza twinkles with thousands of string lights.—
Zoe Baillargeon,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Dec. 2025
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This Lowcountry gem nestled on Port Royal Island is magical year-round, but at Christmas, Beaufort’s glow twinkles even brighter.—
Stephanie Hunt,
Southern Living,
28 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Your helpful side shines when systems function properly, so give the relationship a clear container and let kindness fill the space between expectations.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
6 Feb. 2026
-
The service This is where Sofitel shines—attentive, multilingual staff who anticipate your needs without hovering.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Outside, the world flashes by, a slideshow of rivers growing into oceans, deserts rising into mountains and cities sprawling then receding into darkness as the train thunders on through the night.—
Arati Menon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Jan. 2026
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Jessica then zooms in on her husband, who flashes her a toothy smile.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Soft breezes ripple through the sea grapes, and sunlight glints off the aquamarine shallows that surround Bahia Honda State Park.—
Carrie Honaker,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sparkles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sparkles. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.
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