winkle

verb

Definition of winklenext
as in to gleam
to shoot forth bursts of light under a canopy of winkling stars, the campers bedded down for the night

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for winkle
  1. gleam
  2. flash
  3. twinkle
  4. sparkle
  5. shine
  6. shimmer
  7. glitter
  8. glint
Verb
  • Spread out across expansive work stations that resemble gleaming kitchen cubicles, chefs spend their days whipping up meals from soup to nuts, a laboratory of sorts to create appetizing and easy dinners to make at home.
    — Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Spotting the lights less than a mile from his home, Wittlin turned onto a side street and pulled his gleaming red Pontiac Firebird over.
    — Graham Hurley, CNN Money, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of gleam
Verb
  • Underneath the question on the screen, three dots appear—similar to the ones messaging apps use to signal that your conversation partner is composing a response—and flash with anticipation.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Mitchell was particularly impressive as a distributor while Crowe and Bryant flashed their elite scoring ability.
    — PJ Green November 3, Kansas City Star, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of flash
Verb
  • Traditional string lights typically feature more noticeable bulbs for a classic Christmas display, while fairy lights use tiny LEDs and delicate wires to create a subtle, twinkling effect.
    — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Try Jackson’s go-to hue, Aprés Gel Couleur in Dusky Dawn, which is offset by shadowy gray tones, or Sally Hansen Lavender Skies, which features a sheer purple base and twinkling particles of holographic shimmer.
    — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of twinkle
Verb
  • Or for a truly boisterous experience, head to Wrigleyville’s Santa Baby, a multilevel extravaganza with hundreds of sparkling ornaments, candy-cane walls, real-life Santas, and themed food and drinks.
    — Allison Yates, Midwest Living, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Make a refreshing mocktail with a sprig of rosemary plus equal parts unsweetened cranberry juice and club soda or sparkling water.
    — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of sparkle
Verb
  • Pack a blackout sleep mask just in case There’s nothing worse than finally crawling into your hotel bed after a long travel day, only to discover that the curtains don’t fully close and a streetlight is shining directly onto your pillow.
    — Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 1 Nov. 2026
  • The menu focused on clean, whole ingredients, sacrificing robust seasoning to let the natural flavors shine.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 2026
Definition of shine
Verb
  • Yes, the score still shimmers, but not everything that glitters is gold.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Texture takes center stage in the new drop, with plush shearling, shimmering metallics, and festive embellishments bringing a sense of lightness to the house’s signature designs.
    — Laura Jackson, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of shimmer
Verb
  • Two other large, bright open star clusters in this region that look great in 10x50 binoculars are the glittering stars of NGC 752 in Andromeda and M34, a bright, hazy patch in Perseus.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Returning home with the glittering medal draped on his neck, Cassius is lauded but also thrust right back into the oppressive, segregated and deeply racist Louisville.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of glitter
Verb
  • Outside, the rocky surfaces of the gorge’s walls alternate between light and shadow while the river glints in the midday sun.
    — Sarah Kuta, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The long curtains of the banquet room had been thrown open to the morning, and every object—tea service, silver filigree on chopstick handles—glinted like treasure.
    — Christopher Solomon, Travel + Leisure, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of glint
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.

Browse Nearby Words

winking (out)
winkle
winkled
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Cite this Entry

“Winkle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/winkle. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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