SPARKLES Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

sparkles 1 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of sparkle

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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as in gleams

to shoot forth bursts of light the crystal sparkled in the sunlight

Synonyms & Similar Words

sparkles

2 of 2

noun

plural of sparkle

as in shimmers

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Dissimilar Words

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 sparkles

Verb

Parton turned extravagant blonde wigs, elaborate makeup, high heels, and sparkles into one of the most recognizable looks in entertainment. — William Arruda, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 The pearl-white sand is powdery soft, and the crystal-clear water literally sparkles in the sun. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Aug. 2026 With a glorious mane of glowing purple gas and dust, the Lion Nebula sparkles on the cosmic savanna in this new image captured by the James Webb Space Telescope. — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 11 Aug. 2026 This episode sparkles in part thanks to guest stars like Seth Rogen, Fred Savage, and even Fox executive Peter Chernin being willing to poke fun at themselves. — Chris Snellgrove, Entertainment Weekly, 25 July 2026 Shakira sparkles during her World Cup halftime show performance in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19. — Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026 The humor — especially in terms of the comedic timing — absolutely sparkles in this production helmed by director Charles Pasternak. — Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 17 July 2026 In certain places, the calm surface sparkles in the sun’s waning light. — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 11 July 2026 San Diego theater veteran Andréa Agosto sparkles as the kind but determined Aziza. — Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sparkles

Verb

The tool relies on a soluble liquid substitute that glows during the reaction, reducing measurement times to minutes and enabling rapid evaluation of large libraries of enzyme variants.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2026
The number 10 alludes to Yom Kippur, which falls on the 10th day of Tishrei, when the moon glows brighter.

— Ben Corn, Christian Science Monitor, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of glows

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

Definition of gleams

Noun

The cups on display, with sleek forms and graphic twinkles, immediately felt relatable yet also transcendent, the boundary between life and art blissfully obliterated.

— Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 24 Aug. 2026
And Georges delivers—come for the smart, international menu and panoramic views over Paris (especially appealing at night, when the Eiffel Tower twinkles with light).

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of twinkles

Verb

Invaders may have finished off some of the great ancient civilizations, but only after they had been weakened by drought, famine, disease, flooding and internal divisions that catastrophe often sparks.

— Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026
The arrival of Alma, a real estate developer from Madrid who settles in Gazulea with her two daughters, disrupts the community’s life and sparks a conflict between the town’s future and the preservation of its roots.

— Franchesca Guim, Billboard, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of sparks

Verb

What truly stands out to us, though, is the luminous effect that shimmers throughout the cabin.

— Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 23 Sep. 2026
Sprinkling white sugar on top before baking is another trick Martha uses for an extra special pie that literally shimmers when it’s done.

— Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of shimmers

Verb

This option from Vantamo flashes a bright light and emits a 130-decibel sound from dual speakers whenever the top pin is pulled, alerting passersby of the emergency and scaring off potential assailants.

— Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 20 Sep. 2026
The show then flashes forward to the other women emotionally processing the news of his overdose and coming together at Angie’s to console one another and share memories of Robert.

— Tom Smyth, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of flashes

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sparkled

sparkles

sparkling

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“Sparkles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sparkles. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of sparkles

verb

noun

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