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
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
As far as design goes, the collection — which retails from $75 to $650 — sparkles with Kendra Scott's popular silhouettes, like the Elisa pendant, but with a sprinkle of that stylish Dolly DNA.
—Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 12 Nov. 2025
Head to Grote Markt, where the Renaissance Town Hall sparkles with lights and the historic homes that fringe the square are illuminated after dark.
—Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 27 Oct. 2025
On the Riviera, nothing sparkles quite like a Hitchcock blonde.
—Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
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
As far as design goes, the collection — which retails from $75 to $650 — sparkles with Kendra Scott's popular silhouettes, like the Elisa pendant, but with a sprinkle of that stylish Dolly DNA.
—Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 12 Nov. 2025
Head to Grote Markt, where the Renaissance Town Hall sparkles with lights and the historic homes that fringe the square are illuminated after dark.
—Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 27 Oct. 2025
On the Riviera, nothing sparkles quite like a Hitchcock blonde.
—Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sparkles
Verb
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Monet’s Palazzo Ducale centers on the Venetian landmark rendered in diffused brushstrokes, with a dial that glows orange under UV light — a nod to the interplay of light and reflection in Monet’s work.—
Renan Botelho,
Footwear News,
15 Jan. 2026
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The colors are made with neon gas, which glows when electricity runs through it.—
Noelle Phillips,
Denver Post,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
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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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But his pursuit of art sparks a high-stakes battle with law enforcement in this intimate portrait of risk, resilience, and freedom in modern America.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
14 Jan. 2026
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Decades later, that nostalgia still sparks a familiar question – what ever happened to the stars who made Petticoat Junction so unforgettable?—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The evening fades into dawn as Fifth Avenue shimmers in the early light, while a guest strolls home to the faint echo of laughter.—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
28 Oct. 2025
-
Each glass shimmers with a bit of iridescence for a wintry look.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 Oct. 2025
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
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In Sentimental Value, Reinsve shines in her performance as Nora, an actress and estranged daughter to an aging film director played by Stellan Skarsgård.—
Yamillah Hurtado,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
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The book also shines a prominent light on how attitudes toward certain drugs have changed over time by showing when and where they were embraced.—
Tiney Ricciardi,
Denver Post,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Less than a minute into the video, as the singer sits by herself in the middle of the desert, the camera suddenly flashes to Blue, who is wearing a dress nearly identical to her mom's gown.—
Zoey Lyttle,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
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Burnett pauses, considers the question, and then flashes a mischievous grin.—
Dalton Ross,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 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 21 Jan. 2026.
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