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
Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 24 Feb. 2026
The hotel sparkles like a gem set in an island paradise.
—José Cantillo Ferrer, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026
The natural grass field sparkles with lush green and football lines painted onto the surface.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 29 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
Verb
In the doc Margolyes sparkles when in company, whether that be royalty, celeb, or Director Simon.
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 24 Feb. 2026
The hotel sparkles like a gem set in an island paradise.
—José Cantillo Ferrer, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026
The natural grass field sparkles with lush green and football lines painted onto the surface.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 29 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sparkles
Verb
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In San Francisco, Chinatown glows with lanterns, pop‑up performances, and bustling markets as the city builds toward its iconic Chinese New Year Parade on March 7 — one of the largest outside Asia.—
James Ward,
USA Today,
19 Feb. 2026
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Your 5th House of Creativity glows with a Solar Eclipse, inviting playful expression and heartfelt risk that helps love and artistry feel alive again.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Feb. 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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Set against the charming backdrop of North Carolina, Bride Wars, the TV series, follows abig-city wedding planner (Emma Roberts) whose arrival in a small town sparks an epic showdown with a beloved local planner.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
25 Feb. 2026
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The tragic admission, coming more than a week after Guthrie’s last appeal to her mother’s captors, sparks questions as to why investigators and the family chose to wait weeks to put forward such a large and enticing reward.—
Chelsea Bailey,
CNN Money,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Leo July 23 – August 22 Your horizon shimmers with practical promise.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
20 Feb. 2026
-
July 23 – August 22 Your horizon shimmers with practical promise.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
20 Feb. 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
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The Gold Lounge is where the service really shines—attentive without hovering, with staff who'll bring plates from the breakfast buffet to your table or top off your coffee without being asked.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
27 Feb. 2026
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Wicker is timeless and now shines in unexpected shapes and spaces like powder rooms and sculptural lighting.—
Gabi De la Rosa,
Southern Living,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Durbin flashes leather If Thursday was any indication, the Red Sox will be in good hands if Alex Cora decides to roll with Caleb Durbin as the club’s starting second baseman.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
26 Feb. 2026
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Your Roomba emits a chime and flashes its indicator ring or a Wi-Fi symbol.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Feb. 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 4 Mar. 2026.
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