twinkling
8 synonyms and 1 antonym for twinkling, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A very brief moment, notionally as short as the blink of an eye.
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.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A very brief moment, notionally as short as the blink of an eye.
“The housework was done in a twinkling.”
2. noun
A shimmering, intermittent glow of light.
“The lake showed the twinkling of moonlight on its surface.”
Opposites
How to use twinkling
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
in the twinkling of an eye
Etymology
It comes from Middle English twynkelynge, equivalent to twinkle plus -ing.
Full origin of twinkling →Frequently asked questions
What does “twinkling” mean?
The word “twinkling” means a very brief moment, notionally as short as the blink of an eye. In plain terms, an instant, or a sparkling flicker of light.
How do you pronounce “twinkling”?
“Twinkling” is pronounced TWIHNGK-lihng (/ˈtwɪŋklɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “twinkling” in a sentence?
Here is “twinkling” used in a sentence: “The whole plan fell apart in the twinkling of an eye.”
What part of speech is “twinkling”?
“Twinkling” is a noun.
How many meanings does “twinkling” have?
“Twinkling” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a very brief moment, notionally as short as the blink of an eye.
