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
Meanwhile, her makeup was simple, with a deep black eyeliner, a shimmering silver eye shadow and a nude matte lipstick. —Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 17 May 2025 In line with the playwright’s other works, Mason expresses taboos through shimmering poetry and creative multipart casting that gives actors a chance to showcase their flexibility and range. —Amanda L. Andrei, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025
Noun
Don’t miss the Eye Stylus Shadow Sticks ($32) with rich, waterproof and blendable pigments in 20 matte and shimmer shades drawn from Renaissance paintings. —Kate Donnelly, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025 The park has an extensive limestone caving system known as Lehman Caves, where stalactites and stalagmites twist and shimmer. —Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 14 Apr. 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
  • Grace Karin Zip-Front Midi Dress with Pockets A gleaming gold zipper down the front lends a dramatic flourish to this little black dress with a banded waist and cap sleeves.
    — Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 30 May 2025
  • The futuristic design features gleaming white concrete, glass and water in a complex of five buildings designed by famous Spanish architects Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela in 1998.
    — Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Definition of gleam
Noun
  • Shot in Galicia, a landscape of rocky coasts and salty-blue air, this loosely biographical third feature from Catalan filmmaker Carla Simón, part of the Cannes competition slate, has a wistful, earthy glow.
    — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 23 May 2025
  • Brick walls and exposed piping contrast with wooden furniture, white couches and floor cushions and the warm glow of Noguchi lampshades.
    — Lina Abascal, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2025
Definition of glow
Verb
  • The Sunshine State is famous for powdery white sand and glittering turquoise waters.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 30 May 2025
  • Related Articles Along with her gown, Armas styled pieces of glittering jewelry to accessorize her look.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 28 May 2025
Definition of glitter
Noun
  • The Indy native has seen the city thrive under the glare of two NBA All-Star Games, the CFP national championship game, and dozens of other national and international championships.
    — Michael Marot, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
  • It is formulated with LED lights with glare control and low optical flicker for eye care.
    — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 15 May 2025
Definition of glare
Verb
  • The former just sparkled on the cover of Sports Illustrated in a glittering green two-piece set that looks like this one from Amazon.
    — Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 27 May 2025
  • Instead, try drinking sparkling water and eating more fish and whole grains.
    — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2025
Definition of sparkle
Noun
  • In the Giotto bed skirt, folds don’t just ripple so much as elegantly undulate, glistening with the kind of delicate sheen that only sateen and silk can accomplish.
    — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 24 May 2025
  • Bronze Think Bronze is a pink lipstick with, as the name suggests, a bronze sheen that really warms it up.
    — Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 24 May 2025
Definition of sheen
Verb
  • It's now known to flash in both radio waves and X-rays for a two-minute period every 44 minutes.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 28 May 2025
  • The player bet $1.75, hit spin and watched as the symbols flashed across the screen until a jackpot message appeared.
    — Helena Wegner, Sacbee.com, 28 May 2025
Definition of flash
Verb
  • The Grammy-winning rapper sparkled in a sumptuous canary gown that glinted with the help of some reflective beading.
    — Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2025
  • My living friends teeth glinting in the low light silverware against ceramic Tarsus, manus, stinger, legs.
    — Safia Elhillo, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024
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 4 Jun. 2025.

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