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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
The collection kicked off with a fair share of its garments shimmering in fringe, giving it a real party vibe. —Julian Randall, Essence, 3 Mar. 2025 The cave walls shimmer with hoarfrost, delicate ice filaments that resemble an intricate frozen lacework. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
Noun
The cruelty-free brand’s Nude Mood palette is a total must-have, offering a mix of warm, neutral shades that range from silky mattes to subtle shimmers—perfect for creating every eye look from soft and natural to bold and smoky. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2025 The Pocahontas gown incorporates earthy almond and sand tones, while Snow White shimmers in ivory and mocha, and Ariel in iridescent pearl. —Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 11 Feb. 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
  • From gleaming marble countertops to pristine wood flooring, even the slightest imperfections can impact a property’s value.
    — Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2025
  • At the Museum of Clocks, also in Chengdu, textural red brickwork alludes more to the area’s humble past than a gleaming future.
    — Oscar Holland, CNN, 4 Mar. 2025
Definition of gleam
Noun
  • Working with Anomalisa cinematographer Joe Passarelli, Johnson casts Paul’s experiences in a beguiling and ephemeral glow.
    — Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Her dewy glow didn’t just come from the tears shed after her win, but from the careful skin prep that laid the foundation.
    — Tiana Randall, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of glow
Verb
  • In a recent photoshoot, Willis, 36, slipped into the glittering gold bikini that Moore famously wore in the 1996 film Striptease.
    — Sabienna Bowman, People.com, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Hours earlier, a glittering guest list of 300 had gathered for the inaugural Le Grand Dîner du Louvre, a first-of-its-kind black-tie affair held inside the world’s most famous museum.
    — Kristen Bateman, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of glitter
Noun
  • However, that didn’t stop her co-workers and peers from laying down the firm glare of judgment.
    — Marc Griffin, VIBE.com, 7 Mar. 2025
  • That means Johnson’s responses on Wednesday will be under the dual glare of Congress and Trump’s Justice Department, though the courts have generally determined sanctuary laws to be constitutional.
    — Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of glare
Verb
  • Good sparkles at the 2025 LEADHER Awards presented by RBC in celebration of International Women's Day on March 8 at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec.
    — Toria Sheffield, People.com, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Cloudy and Brittle Dishes and Glassware Dishwashers use water to make everything inside them sparkling clean, but when a home has hard water, the results can be less than satisfactory.
    — Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of sparkle
Noun
  • The result was a cityscape of relentless sheen, façades as glabrous and ageless as a starlet’s brow.
    — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 5 Mar. 2025
  • By this time, the group’s YouTube videos had a more professional sheen.
    — David Peisner, Rolling Stone, 23 Feb. 2025
Definition of sheen
Verb
  • Shortstop Max Acosta, one of three players acquired in the Jake Burger trade with Texas, has flashed this spring, getting on base in 6 of his 14 plate appearances, with a home run.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Nightmares of more dental work had to have flashed through the Celtics guard’s mind Thursday night.
    — Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of flash
Verb
  • Now in its sixth year, the Redondo Beach music extravaganza will boast another electrifying lineup that can only be rivaled by the cathartic ocean breeze blowing off the glinting Pacific.
    — SPIN Contributor, SPIN, 19 Feb. 2025
  • Crocodiles lounged in the shallows, their eyes glinting when headlamps were shined their way.
    — Charlie Cordero, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2025
Definition of glint

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Cite this Entry

“Shimmer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shimmer. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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