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

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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
Iridescent koi and carp shimmer and shoal beneath the surface, and guests are welcome to feed them with pellets provided by the resort. —Ashlee Marie Preston, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025 City of Round Rock Senior Prom at Baca Center Come join the sparkle, shimmer and good vibes at the Baca Center Senior Prom. —Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Noun
The dress featured allover sheer fabric embellished with shimmering silver jewels and embroidery throughout, as well as a thigh-high slit at the front along with two bold cutouts — one at the waist and another above the bustline. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 7 July 2025 Ultramarine blues, goldfinch yellows, clouded whites; the colors don’t shout but shimmer like halos. —Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 2 July 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
  • 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
  • Alongside her glittering music career (let the record show Don’t Stop the Music went triple platinum on my iPod Shuffle), Rihanna has long secured her place as a global fashion icon.
    — Vogue, Vogue, 14 July 2025
  • Based on Michelle Frances’ novel of the same name, The Girlfriend follows Laura (Wright), a woman who seemingly has it all: a glittering career, a loving husband, and her precious son, Daniel.
    — Denise Petski, Deadline, 14 July 2025
Definition of glitter
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
  • The base clog channels Krispy Kreme’s Original Glazed in both color and sheen.
    — Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
  • The idea here is to offer three properties in one formula—exfoliating, moisturizing, and lip color—via six modern shades that impart a sheen finish.
    — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 21 July 2025
Definition of sheen
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
Verb
  • For many, Maine is a summer refuge—beaches with powdery sand and glinting grey-blue water intermingled with bucolic topography; mountains, lake houses.
    — Caroline Reilly, Robb Report, 6 June 2025
  • Sunlight glints off the water with a Mediterranean shimmer.
    — Alexandra Gillespie, AFAR Media, 23 June 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 29 Jul. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of shimmer for Spanish Speakers

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