glitter 1 of 2

verb

ˈgli-tər How to pronounce glitter (audio)
Definition of glitternext
as in to gleam
to shoot forth bursts of light the queen's crown glittered under the glare of the TV lights

Synonyms & Similar Words

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glitter

2 of 2

noun

1
as in shimmer

Related Words

Dissimilar Words
2
as in gilt

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb glitter contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of glitter are flash, gleam, glimmer, glint, glisten, shimmer, and sparkle. While all these words mean "to send forth light," glitter connotes a brilliant sparkling or gleaming.

glittering diamonds

When might flash be a better fit than glitter?

The synonyms flash and glitter are sometimes interchangeable, but flash implies a sudden outburst of bright light.

lightning flashed

Where would gleam be a reasonable alternative to glitter?

The words gleam and glitter can be used in similar contexts, but gleam suggests a steady light seen through an obscuring medium or against a dark background.

lights gleamed in the valley

When would glimmer be a good substitute for glitter?

In some situations, the words glimmer and glitter are roughly equivalent. However, glimmer suggests a faint or wavering gleam.

a distant glimmering light

In what contexts can glint take the place of glitter?

The meanings of glint and glitter largely overlap; however, glint implies a cold glancing light.

glinting steel

When is it sensible to use glisten instead of glitter?

Although the words glisten and glitter have much in common, glisten applies to the soft sparkle from a wet or oily surface.

glistening wet sidewalk

When can shimmer be used instead of glitter?

While the synonyms shimmer and glitter are close in meaning, shimmer means shining with a wavering light.

a shimmering satin dress

When is sparkle a more appropriate choice than glitter?

The words sparkle and glitter are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sparkle suggests innumerable moving points of bright light.

the sparkling waters

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 glitter
Verb
Just above it and to the right, the Pleiades will sparkle like glitter, with six or seven stars visible to the naked eye (and many more through binoculars). —Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 22 June 2025 Many had rainbow glitter and rhinestones adorning their faces. —Arkansas Online, 9 June 2025
Noun
From our hilltop vantage point, San Juan del Sur unfurled below, leading to a large swath of sandy beach and a glittering ocean. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 15 June 2025 Strands of sunny hair frame her rosy skin, glittering eyes and winning smile. —Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for glitter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for glitter
  1. gleam
  2. shimmer
  3. gilt
  4. sparkle
  5. twinkle
  6. flash
  7. glint
  8. embroidery
Verb
  • Dressed in a Versace shirt and gleaming gold chain, Shakur was still out on bond, still basking in the glow of stardom, brushing off a violent altercation with a Crip gang member inside a Sin City casino that had transpired just hours earlier after a Mike Tyson boxing match.
    — Danielle Bacher, People.com, 1 July 2025
  • That means, as Hercules, buoyant Brady is asked to present little beyond a sweet-natured, naive hunk celebrated for his gym membership and gleaming dentistry.
    — David Benedict, Variety, 24 June 2025
Definition of gleam
Noun
  • City of Round Rock Senior Prom at Baca Center Come join the sparkle, shimmer and good vibes at the Baca Center Senior Prom.
    — Austin American Statesman, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
  • Skip the heavy layers of foundation and contouring and go with minimal pops of color and touches of shimmer.
    — Kristen Philipkoski, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Definition of shimmer
Noun
  • Longer and shorter-duration gilts all saw their yields move 2 basis points lower.
    — Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 3 July 2025
  • In government bond markets, 10-year gilt yields slipped over the last week and now trade around 4.47%.
    — Ian King, CNBC, 25 June 2025
Definition of gilt
Verb
  • Top off each serving with club soda or sparkling water.
    — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2025
  • Director Gordon Greenberg has marshalled an excellent cast of fearless and multitalented actors for this 2-1/2-hour play-within-a-play that sparkles and surprises at every turn.
    — Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2025
Definition of sparkle
Noun
  • As much as has been said about the future of Nashville’s East Bank, tangible change is still mostly a twinkle in the city’s eye.
    — Austin Hornbostel, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
  • Park develops an especially strong rapport with the audience, her wry delivery belied by a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.
    — Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 1 July 2025
Definition of twinkle
Verb
  • Earlier this year, Anthropic, an AI startup, flashed a big warning: AI could wipe out more than half of all entry-level white-collar jobs in the next one to five years.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2025
  • The Spy bag has since been spotted on celebrities such as Aubrey Plaza, Kelly Rowland, Rita Ora and Bianca Balti, while Rihanna and Bella Hadid, among others, have recently flashed vintage models.
    — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 3 July 2025
Definition of flash
Noun
  • Great Parks Spark in the Dark Illuminate the night by floating on glowing boats as the water glints and gleams.
    — Caroline Ritzie, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
  • The man opened his hand, and the stadium lights reflected, at last, on a glint of silver.
    — Jason Anthony, The Atlantic, 14 June 2025
Definition of glint
Noun
  • And, the embroidery on the pillowcases adds a nice touch.
    — Shalwah Evans, People.com, 14 July 2025
  • These long-staple organic cotton sheet sets prove even the subtlest embellishments are worth getting right, showcasing delicate eyelets, hand-finished embroidery, and smooth, undulating edges.
    — Shoko Wanger, Architectural Digest, 14 July 2025
Definition of embroidery

Browse Nearby Words

glitches
glitter
glitterati
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Glitter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/glitter. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.

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