glimmer 1 of 2

noun

Definition of glimmernext
1
as in hint
a very small amount a glimmer of hope that there will be snow on Christmas

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in flicker
an almost imperceptible sign of something most of the students showed not even a glimmer of interest in what I had to say

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

glimmer

2 of 2

verb

ˈgli-mər How to pronounce glimmer (audio)
as in to gleam
to shoot forth bursts of light the waters of the rippling brook glimmered in the sun

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb glimmer contrast with its synonyms?

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

a distant glimmering light

Where would flash be a reasonable alternative to glimmer?

In some situations, the words flash and glimmer are roughly equivalent. However, flash implies a sudden outburst of bright light.

lightning flashed

When could gleam be used to replace glimmer?

The words gleam and glimmer 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 is it sensible to use glint instead of glimmer?

The synonyms glint and glimmer are sometimes interchangeable, but glint implies a cold glancing light.

glinting steel

In what contexts can glisten take the place of glimmer?

The meanings of glisten and glimmer largely overlap; however, glisten applies to the soft sparkle from a wet or oily surface.

glistening wet sidewalk

When is glitter a more appropriate choice than glimmer?

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

glittering diamonds

When would shimmer be a good substitute for glimmer?

Although the words shimmer and glimmer have much in common, shimmer means shining with a wavering light.

a shimmering satin dress

When can sparkle be used instead of glimmer?

The words sparkle and glimmer 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 glimmer
Noun
Ramos has been a glimmer of hope offensively, although his defense has room for improvement. —Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 4 July 2025 Grubbs still on the hook for tens of millions of dollars There was another glimmer of good news for victims in June, when the U.S. Department of Justice issued a press release about the bankruptcy case. —Alexandria Burris, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
Verb
The glimmering fish got closer, though, and eventually showed its colors. —Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 18 June 2025 During the hike, glimmering alpine lakes beckon hikers to cool off with a brisk dip. —Jen Murphy, Outside Online, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for glimmer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for glimmer
  1. hint
  2. flicker
  3. gleam
  4. sprinkling
  5. shimmer
  6. shred
  7. flash
  8. splash
Noun
  • Chewing damage is your first hint night-feeding larva are present but hiding below during the daytime.
    — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 July 2025
  • With so many Internet sources to listen to and publish on, the public had a chance to be the hero of the story, all these hints of Gilbert Joubert Three Days of the Condor supervillainy just begging us to summon our inner Robert Redford to find him out.
    — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 19 July 2025
Definition of hint
Noun
  • The magazine, already devoted to witty biographical pieces, now carried a flicker of narrative, with players eased across a provincial stage.
    — Paige Williams, New Yorker, 13 July 2025
  • Lighting a campfire and watching as the flames grow and flicker can feel therapeutic — for good reason.
    — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 9 July 2025
Definition of flicker
Verb
  • Her white shirt would gleam like chrome under the metallic lights.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 July 2025
  • The cars are dotted around in a kaleidoscope of colors, a stark contrast to the gleaming white factory floor.
    — Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 9 July 2025
Definition of gleam
Noun
  • Top it off with one ounce of plain, low-fat Greek yogurt ( about three grams of protein, 21 calories) and a sprinkling of chives.
    — Lauren O'Connor, Health, 11 June 2025
  • Forced to reduce their draw from the Raccoon River that summer, the waterworks trustees issued a plea to the people of Des Moines to conserve water and cut back on lawn sprinkling.
    — Dave Hage, Literary Hub, 27 May 2025
Definition of sprinkling
Verb
  • The lake shimmers below, and on clear mornings, the snowcapped head of Monte Rosa peeks out above.
    — Ann Abel, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • The stage shimmered; Quincy’s name reverberated as the lineup rolled out: Tyrese, Robin Thicke, Al B. Sure!, SWV, Xscape, MC Lyte, The Pharcyde, and Mobb Deep — all artists whose sounds echo Jones’s genius.
    — Kathleen Newman-Bremang, refinery29.com, 8 July 2025
Definition of shimmer
Noun
  • To prevent the shreds from clumping, anti-caking agents like cellulose (a plant fiber made from wood pulp) and potato starch are often added, which can steal moisture from the cheese, affecting its texture.
    — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 23 July 2025
  • Northwestern’s leadership chooses not to afford the members of its community a shred of respect.
    — Luis A. Nunes Amaral, Chicago Tribune, 24 June 2025
Definition of shred
Verb
  • Emotions like doubt or frustration may flash across the face in a split second.
    — Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Cameras flash as Combs addresses the crowd, presiding over the scene like a master of ceremonies — or something else entirely.
    — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2025
Definition of flash
Noun
  • The Cowboys' biggest splash was trading for Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens.
    — Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 July 2025
  • The live-action reimagining of Disney's beloved animated classic made a big splash at the worldwide box office after its release in late May, bringing in more than $300 million in its opening weekend.
    — Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 17 July 2025
Definition of splash

Browse Nearby Words

gliding
glimmer
glimmered
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Glimmer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/glimmer. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of glimmer for Spanish Speakers

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