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
As an extra touch, Wang painted her age in glitter on her arm. —Latoya Gayle, People.com, 30 June 2025 Vee supercharges classic vanilla buttercream with bright colors and edible glitter. —Sophie Levenson, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025
Noun
While several Austin eateries glittered with stars, Franklin Barbecue received a more practical honor: a Bib Gourmand. —Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 The Winnipeg Jets can sign famous Conn Smythe Trophy-winning unrestricted free-agent players with glittering resumes after all. —Murat Ates, New York Times, 21 June 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
  • 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
  • The bubblegum blush on her cheekbones matched that of her gloss on stage, adding warmth to the otherwise moody aesthetic, which was comprised of charcoal shimmer dragged across her lids and under eyes, black liquid eyeliner and lash extensions.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 24 July 2025
  • Arizona's Emerald Cave, also known as Emerald Cove, shimmers with luminous green light.
    — Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 17 July 2025
Definition of shimmer
Noun
  • The yield on the benchmark 10-year gilt moved 4 basis points higher by 9:07 a.m.
    — Jenni Reid,Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 22 July 2025
  • Longer and shorter-duration gilts all saw their yields move 2 basis points lower.
    — Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 3 July 2025
Definition of gilt
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
  • Disney’s Imagineers have upped their game with this figure, crafting a believable Walt with an arched eyebrow, drumming fingers and a twinkle in his eye.
    — Robert Niles, Oc Register, 15 July 2025
  • 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
Definition of twinkle
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 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
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 30 Jul. 2025.

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