sparkle

Bright points of light reflected from a surface.

• The ring has a lovely sparkle.
• Sunlight brought out the sparkle in the glass.
• There was a sparkle in her eyes.

Similar words: glitter, shine, brilliance

Opposites: dullness

Common phrases: a diamond’s sparkle, sparkle in something, add sparkle

An exciting, lively quality that makes someone or something enjoyable.

• Her jokes added sparkle to the evening.
• The performance lacked its usual sparkle.
• His conversation has a sparkle that keeps everyone interested.

Similar words: liveliness, vivacity

Opposites: dullness

Common phrases: add sparkle, sparkle and wit, lose its sparkle

A very small flash of fire or light.

• A sparkle rose from the fire.
• Tiny sparkles flew above the burning branches.
• She watched each sparkle disappear into the darkness.

Similar words: spark

Common phrases: a tiny sparkle, a sparkle of fire

To shine with many small, bright flashes of light.

• The stars sparkle tonight.
• Her necklace sparkled under the lights.
• Water was sparkling all around the boat.

How to use it: sparkle in something (The snow sparkled in the sunlight.); sparkle with something (Her eyes sparkled with excitement.)

Similar words: glitter, twinkle, glisten

Common phrases: sparkle in sunlight, sparkle with something

To produce small bubbles, especially in a drink.

• The wine sparkled in her glass.
• Fresh cider was sparkling in the bottle.
• Does this drink still sparkle after a day?

Similar words: fizz, bubble, effervesce

Common phrases: sparkle in something, sparkle and fizz

To give off tiny bright flashes or sparks.

• The fire sparkled in the darkness.
• Burning branches sparkled as they fell.
• Hot metal sparkled beneath the hammer.

Similar words: spark

Common phrases: sparkle with fire, sparkle and crackle