gleam
8 synonyms for gleam, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A brief or faint flash of light.
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. noun
A brief or faint flash of light.
“A gleam of sunlight broke through the clouds.”
How to use gleam
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a gleam of hope
a gleam in her eye
gleam in the sunlight
Etymology
From Old English glæm, "a shaft of light or radiance," from a Germanic root meaning "brightness" or "splendour."
Full origin of gleam →Frequently asked questions
What does “gleam” mean?
The word “gleam” means a brief or faint flash of light. In plain terms, a soft, brief shine, or to give off one — often used for a look of excitement in someone's eyes.
How do you pronounce “gleam”?
“Gleam” is pronounced gleem (/ɡlim/ in IPA).
How do you use “gleam” in a sentence?
Here is “gleam” used in a sentence: “A gleam of sunlight broke through the clouds.”
What part of speech is “gleam”?
Depending on how it is used, “gleam” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “gleam” come from?
The word “gleam” comes from Old English. From Old English glæm, "a shaft of light or radiance," from a Germanic root meaning "brightness" or "splendour.".
How many meanings does “gleam” have?
“Gleam” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a brief or faint flash of light.
