gleam 1 of 2

gleam

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb gleam contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of gleam are flash, glimmer, glint, glisten, glitter, shimmer, and sparkle. While all these words mean "to send forth light," gleam suggests a steady light seen through an obscuring medium or against a dark background.

lights gleamed in the valley

When is flash a more appropriate choice than gleam?

While the synonyms flash and gleam are close in meaning, flash implies a sudden outburst of bright light.

lightning flashed

When might glimmer be a better fit than gleam?

While in some cases nearly identical to gleam, glimmer suggests a faint or wavering gleam.

a distant glimmering light

When could glint be used to replace gleam?

Although the words glint and gleam have much in common, glint implies a cold glancing light.

glinting steel

Where would glisten be a reasonable alternative to gleam?

The words glisten and gleam can be used in similar contexts, but glisten applies to the soft sparkle from a wet or oily surface.

glistening wet sidewalk

When is it sensible to use glitter instead of gleam?

The words glitter and gleam are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, glitter connotes a brilliant sparkling or gleaming.

glittering diamonds

When would shimmer be a good substitute for gleam?

In some situations, the words shimmer and gleam are roughly equivalent. However, shimmer means shining with a wavering light.

a shimmering satin dress

When can sparkle be used instead of gleam?

The meanings of sparkle and gleam largely overlap; however, 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 gleam
Noun
So do many of their peers: Measures of business confidence soared after the election, and while there are hints that gleam has dulled to some degree, business leaders, as a group, remain upbeat. Ben Casselman, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2025 From a helicopter, the juxtaposition was halting: The gleam of the Pacific in its unchanging glory, running parallel for miles against sheer devastation. Loren Elliott, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
Bangkok has expanded at a breakneck pace, with high-rise condos and gleaming skyscrapers shooting up in recent decades. Will Ripley, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2025 Trump, playing the role of the discerning shopper, stepped into a gleaming red Tesla Model S. Musk circled the car, ready to assist his faux client, and pointed out the brake and the accelerator. Kyle Chayka, The New Yorker, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gleam
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gleam
Noun
  • Yes Pros: Feels extremely lightweight on the skin; not scented; delivers a nice glow Cons: Not hydrating enough to replenish dehydrated skin One look at the Olive Young (a.k.a.
    Denise Primbet, Glamour, 28 Apr. 2025
  • We were both immediately captivated by the mood-setting glow of what seemed like hundreds of candles lit throughout the space.
    India Espy-Jones, Essence, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Sunlight glints off what looks like fishing wire strewn through the trees and bushes.
    Eleanor Beardsley, NPR, 12 Apr. 2025
  • For the occasion, the office of the local governor had prepared an elaborate ceremony, with a military band and an honor guard standing at attention, the bayonets of their rifles glinting in the sun.
    Simon Shuster, TIME, 24 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Singles players routinely react with varying intensities of glare if an opponent sends a smash in their direction, because there is often more open court at which to aim.
    Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Under the glare of the desert floodlights, a title fight that has been quietly smoldering since Melbourne has now erupted into an open flame.
    Kanzah Maktoum, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • However, Walker has flashed great athleticism in space with incredible range and physicality.
    Josh Kendall, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Lanes split, signs flash, exits appear too soon or too late.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • By shooting light, the bird still hadn’t left his roost, and Drew tried calling a few times.
    Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 1 May 2025
  • The events of this tragedy made headlines around the globe and certainly raised doubts that the film itself would be finished, let alone see the light of day.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • Beneath the surface, the land holds rare treasures: titanite crystals shimmering along the Mirage Trail—offering not just geological intrigue but creative direction.
    Ashlee Marie Preston, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Similarly, oceans may shimmer red under intense tropical climates when red iron oxides form from the decay of the rock, and rivers pour it into the oceans.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Original price: $68 Try the Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Eau de Toilette for a classic scent that is casual and breezy, with sparkling fruity-floral notes.
    Nora Colomer may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 2 May 2025
  • His early Met Gala get-ups were festooned with sparkling diamond brooches.
    Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 2 May 2025
Verb
  • While twinkling string lights and outdoor area rugs can make a space inviting, the right patio furniture can make all the difference.
    Toni Sutton, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Fiesta Flambeau Parade: May 3 This nighttime parade through downtown San Antonio is lively and upbeat, with bright, twinkling lights adorning the floats.
    Jill Robbins, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Gleam.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gleam. Accessed 6 May. 2025.

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