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

In New York City, Pete Davidson films his new movie Tommy Karate with a new look, while Savannah Guthrie glows in florals for Roger Federer’s exhibition match at the US Open.

— Alex Apatoff, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
Killarney National Park, Ireland The Emerald Isle glows in all shades of green, and few Irish destinations show off this color palette like Killarney National Park.

— Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 21 Aug. 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

The illusion of molten steel was basically water and mineral oil mixed with a little powdered sugar; creative lighting and heaters placed below the cameras—plus a few CGI sparks in the background—did the rest.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026
She's tasked with completing the mercurial master's unfinished works, though Lori and Julian's relationship sparks needed connection and redemption for each.

— Brian Truitt, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of sparks

Verb

As Robert Spillane works through a quiet camp, fellow inside linebacker Christian Elliss flashes again and again, this time in coverage during 7-on-7s with a pass breakup.

— Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 1 Aug. 2026
Danny Trejo flashes a smile at San Diego’s Comic-Con International on July 25.

— Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026

Definition of flashes

Browse Nearby Words

sparkled

sparkles

sparkling

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“Sparkles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sparkles. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of sparkles

verb

noun

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