twinkle 1 of 2

noun

Definition of twinklenext
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 How to pronounce twinkle (audio)
1
as in to flash
to shine with light at regular intervals holiday decorations twinkled in the shop windows

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
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
Meanwhile, families have front-row seats to a special show at night—the twinkling lights of ships passing through the Panama Canal on the horizon. — Gina Kramer, USA Today, 25 July 2026 In December, wreaths and twinkling lights transform the inn into a New England fantasy. — Air Mail, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for twinkle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for twinkle
  1. minute
  2. flash
  3. gleam
  4. heartbeat
  5. flicker
  6. sparkle
  7. second
  8. glint
Noun
  • The idea that these two would have a five-minute-or-less breakup conversation, then plop down on the couch and happily embark on an acid trip together, strains credulity a little, even for this bizarre, codependent friend group.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Finally, after about four minutes of confusion, Marine One and the tower make contact.
    — Pete Muntean, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of minute
Verb
  • During the same possession, the 6-foot, 280-pound Harris — who also plays on the Trojans’ offensive line — flashed for a quarterback pressure, forcing an errant pass.
    — Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Today, consumers are struggling with growing inflation and slowing entry-level hiring, and Jenner is turning from flashing her private jets and multiple mansions to highlighting the flash of rhinestones placed on her everyday goods.
    — Sarah Glodek, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of flash
Verb
  • Among the rows of gleaming cars was a 1972 Chevy El Camino in Aztec gold, shown by owner Bob Barnes of Highland Park.
    — Karie Angell Luc, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026
  • In front of the Jabara family, the turquoise waters of Torch Lake gleamed alluringly in the July heat.
    — Rozina Ali, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of gleam
Noun
  • Three years ago, FSU was undefeated, Travis was its heartbeat and Norvell appeared to have resurrected one of college football’s great empires.
    — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026
  • For his, Connor chose a copy of Grant’s heartbeat from the hospital.
    — Susan Young, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of heartbeat
Verb
  • Inexplicably, the lights flickered during the groom-mother dance.
    — Anna Raskind, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026
  • While lights flickered, music blared and fans cheered, the goal was ruled off; Harris was initially deemed offside.
    — PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of flicker
Verb
  • The small table was crowded with bottles of sparkling San Pellegrino and fancy saucières filled with every sauce and condiment on offer.
    — Jonny Hallam, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Drzewiecki sparkled for New Mexico during his senior season, making 36 of 36 extra points and 18 of 19 field goals.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of sparkle
Noun
  • Its 100mm pixel macro lens captures 28 images per second in order to guide the jet to the gaps in your teeth.
    — Jenny Bailly, Allure, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The two stabbings happened about 20 seconds apart, Tisch said.
    — Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of second
Verb
  • Water rushes past, glinting silver in the light of the sun, just risen above the mountains that ring the bay.
    — Jonathan Wiggin, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The glinting metal of the Devil’s watch chain flashed in her mind, his hair and his teeth.
    — Rachel Yoder, New Yorker, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of glint

Browse Nearby Words

twining
twinkle
twinkled
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Cite this Entry

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

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