shimmer 1 of 2

verb

ˈshi-mər How to pronounce shimmer (audio)
Definition of shimmernext
as in to gleam
to shoot forth bursts of light a sequined dress shimmering under the studio lights

Synonyms & Similar Words

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shimmer

2 of 2

noun

as in glow

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb shimmer contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of shimmer are flash, gleam, glimmer, glint, glisten, glitter, and sparkle. While all these words mean "to send forth light," shimmer means shining with a wavering light.

a shimmering satin dress

When is it sensible to use flash instead of shimmer?

The meanings of flash and shimmer largely overlap; however, flash implies a sudden outburst of bright light.

lightning flashed

When can gleam be used instead of shimmer?

While in some cases nearly identical to shimmer, gleam suggests a steady light seen through an obscuring medium or against a dark background.

lights gleamed in the valley

When could glimmer be used to replace shimmer?

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

a distant glimmering light

Where would glint be a reasonable alternative to shimmer?

The words glint and shimmer are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, glint implies a cold glancing light.

glinting steel

In what contexts can glisten take the place of shimmer?

The words glisten and shimmer can be used in similar contexts, but glisten applies to the soft sparkle from a wet or oily surface.

glistening wet sidewalk

When might glitter be a better fit than shimmer?

While the synonyms glitter and shimmer are close in meaning, glitter connotes a brilliant sparkling or gleaming.

glittering diamonds

When would sparkle be a good substitute for shimmer?

Although the words sparkle and shimmer have much in common, 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 shimmer
Verb
This story begins in the dark of a cool, serene night where various highly scented plants magically shimmer and sparkle in the lunar light. —Clarence Schmidt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Mar. 2025 Beauty-wise, Kendrick played off the metallic thread in her pants with a shimmering silver smokey eye. —Marissa Muller, WWD, 8 Mar. 2025
Noun
The masculine edge of the traditional Birkenstock silhouette is perfectly balanced with the feminine shimmer of gold, making these shoes a standout choice. —Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 14 Mar. 2025 Throw on some shimmer from your favorite eye shadow palette using your fingers—no makeup brushes required. —Bella Cacciatore, Glamour, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shimmer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shimmer
  1. gleam
  2. glow
  3. glitter
  4. glare
  5. sparkle
  6. sheen
  7. flash
  8. glint
Verb
  • Less than two weeks after Luis Enrique’s appointment, the first team took up residence at the club’s gleaming new training centre, the PSG Campus, in Poissy, 25 kilometres west of central Paris.
    — Tom Williams, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The historic fantasy of the Great White Way as a glamorous montage of gleaming marquees, sparky backstage romances, and elegant audiences reveling in black tie was a Hollywood concoction, arguably false from the start.
    — Frank Rich, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of gleam
Noun
  • Millions of people in the United States, Canada, Europe, China and beyond were able to view the glow of the northern lights.
    — Kierra Frazier, CBS News, 5 Apr. 2025
  • The Blue Dragon - Always evening under the glow of ethereal lanterns, guests can enjoy Pan-Asian cuisine as dazzling neon dragons chase across the walls or curl up with a cocktail at The Tiger Bar.
    — Samantha Neely, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of glow
Verb
  • Smoke favors a dapper gray three-piece suit and flat cap, while Stack, gold tooth caps glittering in his mouth, is more ostentatious in his burgundy fedora with matching tie and pocket square.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
  • On Monday night, a glittering crowd stepped out to celebrate the store’s opening, before heading over to Palazzo Serbelloni to wander through its halls and take in the homewares collection.
    — Liam Hess, Vogue, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of glitter
Noun
  • The six-inch display is recessed into the bezels, which helps to reduce glare.
    — PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 9 Apr. 2025
  • This can be especially apparent if clouds or haze are dimming the sun enough to reduce the glare.
    — Jesse Emspak, Space.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Definition of glare
Verb
  • Make cake batter: Beat cake mix, sparkling water, oil, eggs, 1 package of the pudding mix, and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
    — Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Many women’s dress watches are adorned with sparkling details on both the face and the band, making for a truly dazzling display.
    — BestReviews, The Mercury News, 25 Mar. 2025
Definition of sparkle
Noun
  • The formula’s sheer color is buildable and has a pretty sheen—perfect for natural looks or layering for a bit more oomph.
    — Elizabeth Siegel, Allure, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Many of the recent appeals dealing with the power of federal agencies have taken on a political sheen, with conservative groups challenging policies embraced by the Biden administration – including student loan forgiveness, environmental regulations and Covid-19 restrictions.
    — CNN.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 23 Mar. 2025
Definition of sheen
Verb
  • The typically more boring corner of Wall Street has been flashing signals of stress this week that have been serious enough to demand attention from both Wall Street and President Trump.
    — Anne Marie Drummond Lee, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • With bond markets flashing warning signs while Americans sleep, investors risk missing a major shift.
    — Joel Shulman, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of flash
Verb
  • For the occasion, the office of the local governor had prepared an elaborate ceremony, with a military band and an honor guard standing at attention, the bayonets of their rifles glinting in the sun.
    — Simon Shuster, TIME, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Now in its sixth year, the Redondo Beach music extravaganza will boast another electrifying lineup that can only be rivaled by the cathartic ocean breeze blowing off the glinting Pacific.
    — SPIN Contributor, SPIN, 19 Feb. 2025
Definition of glint

Browse Nearby Words

shilly-shallying
shimmer
shimmered
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shimmer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shimmer. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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