flicker
7 synonyms for flicker, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To shine or burn unsteadily, with light that wavers.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To shine or burn unsteadily, with light that wavers.
“The candle flickered in the draft.”
How to use flicker
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
flicker of light
flicker of hope
flicker across someone's face
Etymology
From Old English flicorian ("to flutter"), related to Old English fleogan ("to fly").
Full origin of flicker →Frequently asked questions
What does “flicker” mean?
The word “flicker” means to shine or burn unsteadily, with light that wavers. In plain terms, an unsteady, brief light or motion — a candle flickers, or a feeling flickers across someone's face.
How do you pronounce “flicker”?
“Flicker” is pronounced FLIH-kuh (/ˈflɪkɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “flicker” in a sentence?
Here is “flicker” used in a sentence: “The candle flickered in the draft.”
What part of speech is “flicker”?
Depending on how it is used, “flicker” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “flicker” come from?
The word “flicker” comes from Old English. From Old English flicorian ("to flutter"), related to Old English fleogan ("to fly").
How many meanings does “flicker” have?
“Flicker” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to shine or burn unsteadily, with light that wavers.
