glisten 1 of 2

verb

ˈgli-sᵊn How to pronounce glisten (audio)
Definition of glistennext
as in to gleam
to shoot forth bursts of light this seemingly dull opal really glistens in full light

Synonyms & Similar Words

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glisten

2 of 2

noun

as in gleam

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb glisten contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of glisten are flash, gleam, glimmer, glint, glitter, shimmer, and sparkle. While all these words mean "to send forth light," glisten applies to the soft sparkle from a wet or oily surface.

glistening wet sidewalk

When would flash be a good substitute for glisten?

The words flash and glisten can be used in similar contexts, but flash implies a sudden outburst of bright light.

lightning flashed

When could gleam be used to replace glisten?

Although the words gleam and glisten have much in common, gleam suggests a steady light seen through an obscuring medium or against a dark background.

lights gleamed in the valley

Where would glimmer be a reasonable alternative to glisten?

The words glimmer and glisten are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, glimmer suggests a faint or wavering gleam.

a distant glimmering light

When might glint be a better fit than glisten?

While in some cases nearly identical to glisten, glint implies a cold glancing light.

glinting steel

When is it sensible to use glitter instead of glisten?

The meanings of glitter and glisten largely overlap; however, glitter connotes a brilliant sparkling or gleaming.

glittering diamonds

When can shimmer be used instead of glisten?

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

a shimmering satin dress

In what contexts can sparkle take the place of glisten?

The synonyms sparkle and glisten are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 glisten
Verb
Two decades on, the millennial glisten has given way to organic austerity; the dominant tones are now ocher and umber, turmeric and coffee. —Martha Schwendener, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2024 As the twinkle of bulbous holiday ornaments fade away, the gilded glisten of the 2024 Golden Globes arrives, and EW has some bold predictions for winners in the major categories that could be handed out during Sunday's ceremony. —Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 5 Jan. 2024
Noun
The spray should visibly coat and glisten on the skin and then be rubbed in. —Stephanie Anderson Witmer, Health, 16 June 2025 Catch Sunrise Over the Himalayas Rise before dawn and trek to a temple to see the first rays of a new day glistening off the high peaks. —Joe Yogerst, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for glisten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for glisten
  1. gleam
  2. glow
  3. shimmer
  4. glint
  5. shine
  6. glare
  7. sparkle
  8. glimmer
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
  • This facial will help restore your glow and your faith.
    — Larry Stansbury, Essence, 22 July 2025
  • Its boat ride travels through a dark and dense indoor jungle filled with glow in the dark plants.
    — Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Definition of glow
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
  • The camera caresses her, slicing her body into limbs, arcs, glints of effort.
    — arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 10 July 2025
  • Barely discernible in the May gloom, a glint of purple shone from the jacaranda’s canopy; nearby, seed pods dotted patches of green.
    — Malia Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2025
Definition of glint
Verb
  • Une Femme offers the perfect antidote for skeptics of buttery, oaked Chard, with just enough body to shine when paired with an acid-bomb green herby salad or ceviche.
    — Oset Babür-Winter, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 July 2025
  • Wilson shined with the first team, completing more than half his passes and racking up a handful of touchdowns.
    — Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
Definition of shine
Noun
  • There wasn’t any glare to speak of, either, and mind you, our lab's overhead LEDs did try and create some.
    — PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 13 July 2025
  • Despite the glare on the windows and the people in the bar, the crowd attempted to take photos of Urban playing inside.
    — Kirsten Fiscus, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Definition of glare
Verb
  • There’s even a rare deal on SodaStream sparkling water maker, which allows club soda fans to make their own fizzy water at home instead of barreling through wasteful cans and plastic bottles.
    — Clara McMahon, People.com, 26 July 2025
  • Between adding grated lemon zest to the breading mix and folding lemon into the dressing, cookbook author Jessica Merchant riffs on Caesar salad in a way that sparkles with citrus brightness.
    — Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 25 July 2025
Definition of sparkle
Noun
  • Despite the serious nature of the diagnosis, Ospreay offered a glimmer of hope.
    — Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
  • In the past year, there was a little glimmer of recovery: Earnings were up about 22% on a 2.7% revenue increase.
    — John Dorfman, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of glimmer

Browse Nearby Words

glints
glisten
glistened
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Cite this Entry

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

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Nglish: Translation of glisten for Spanish Speakers

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