TWINKLE Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

twinkle 1 of 2

noun

Definition of twinkle

as in minute

a very small space of time in just a twinkle, the shooting star was gone

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

twinkle

2 of 2

verb

ˈtwiŋ-kəl

as in to flash

to shine with light at regular intervals holiday decorations twinkled in the shop windows

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to gleam

to shoot forth bursts of light stars twinkling on a crisp September night

Synonyms & Similar 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 twinkle

Noun

Kutsuna has an impish twinkle; Yamada mutely swans about in a daze like an opium fiend. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026 Thwarted by England’s tenacity and gregariousness, the twinkle-toed talisman and his team were staring down the barrel of a World Cup exit. — Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 15 July 2026

Verb

That night, rather than looking at the twinkling wind instruments on the stage, he was captivated by the view of the father and daughter in front of him. — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026 The man from Bethlehem Lights is here to present his pre-lit trees, stately faux spruces twinkling with proprietary Color Prism illumination technology, 81 color and light combinations, the best time to purchase is now. — Hannah Engler Harvey, Longreads, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for twinkle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for twinkle

Noun

Thirty minutes later, after a physician examined him, he was pronounced dead and covered with a white sheet.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Sep. 2026
Set the scene On rugged John’s Island 40 minutes outside of Charleston, Auberge’s Lowcountry debut deftly centers the coastal charm of the South Carolina sea islands—the second most bioactive habitat in the world, after only the Amazon Rainforest.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of minute

Verb

In their place stands One World Trade Center, a gleaming glass tower that rises defiantly above a skyline that has been forever changed.

— Thomas E. Franklin, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026
In This Article Fireclay sinks have been a kitchen staple for centuries, with their iconic, usually white, gleaming glaze that turns an otherwise utilitarian fixture into a striking visual highlight.

— Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of gleam

Noun

At the same time, consumer expectations have shifted toward authenticity, transparency and inclusive product development — areas where women leaders have historically driven the vision and cultural heartbeat of our industry.

— WWD Staff, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026
Big financial pivots still require a human heartbeat and personal judgment.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of heartbeat

Verb

The stadium lights flickered off, and both teams stood awkwardly as officials huddled at the 20-yard line.

— David Ubben, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
The Marlins’ fleeting, flickering hopes of a playoff berth grew dimmer Saturday when the Cubs beat them for the second day in a row, continuing an inauspicious start to an important nine-game homestand.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of flicker

Verb

Encased in a sophisticated bottle that calls to mind Tommy Hilfiger fashion, this new scent features a juicy top note of sparkling lychee before settling into a warmer depth of magnolia blossom and a base of vanilla blue.

— Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 15 Sep. 2026
Hargitay and Amaya both wore sparkling red Monse gowns, adorned with sequins and feathers.

— Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of sparkle

Noun

Ole Miss moves into the top 10 for its last-second win against another top-25 opponent in Louisville.

— Chris Vannini, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Senior receiver Mikey Matthews made a significant contribution, catching four passes for 88 yards, including a deep ball with 13 seconds left at the end of the first half that allowed UCLA to kick a field goal and take a seven-point lead.

— Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of second

Verb

Researchers at the wild cat center weren't able to document him on camera again until the summer of 2025, when a camera trap turned up a shadowy picture of the jaguar, his eyes glinting in the camera’s light.

— Sarah Henry, AZCentral.com, 5 Sep. 2026
The placement feels resonant, since Boorman was always operating between poles of glinting victory and laughable failure.

— Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of glint

Browse Nearby Words

twining

twinkle

twinkled

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Style

“Twinkle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/twinkle. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of twinkle

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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