glimpse
6 synonyms and 1 antonym for glimpse, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A brief, incomplete view of something.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
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.
fleeting look
Antonyms
How to use glimpse
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
catch a glimpse
brief glimpse
glimpse of the future
Etymology
From an obsolete Middle English word glimsen, meaning "to glisten" or "to glance with the eyes," related to glimmer.
Full origin of glimpse →Frequently asked questions
What does “glimpse” mean?
The word “glimpse” means a brief, incomplete view of something. In plain terms, a quick, partial look at something, or to see something that way.
How do you pronounce “glimpse”?
“Glimpse” is pronounced GLIHMS (/ˈɡlɪm(p)s/ in IPA).
How do you use “glimpse” in a sentence?
Here is “glimpse” used in a sentence: “She caught a glimpse of the singer as the car sped past.”
What part of speech is “glimpse”?
Depending on how it is used, “glimpse” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “glimpse” come from?
The word “glimpse” comes from Middle English. From an obsolete Middle English word glimsen, meaning "to glisten" or "to glance with the eyes," related to glimmer.
Is “glimpse” a common word?
“Glimpse” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “glimpse” have?
“Glimpse” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a brief, incomplete view of something.
What is the difference between a glimpse and a glance?
A glimpse describes a brief, incomplete view of something you catch, often unintentionally, while a glance is the deliberate quick look you take at something. You give a glance but get a glimpse, since the glimpse describes what you see rather than the act of looking.
Can 'glimpse' be used as both a noun and a verb?
Yes, glimpse works as a noun ("I caught a glimpse of the mountains") and as a verb ("I glimpsed the mountains through the clouds"). Both forms describe seeing something briefly and incompletely, so the choice depends on whether you want to name the sighting or describe the act of seeing.
What is the correct preposition to use with 'glimpse'?
The standard phrase is "a glimpse of" something, as in "a glimpse of the future" or "a glimpse of her smile." "Catch a glimpse" is the most common collocation, describing an unexpected or fleeting sighting.
