scintillation

noun

Definition of scintillationnext
as in fluorescence

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 scintillation For me, the apotheosis of grandeur and scintillation was Northbrook Court in the 1980s. — David Petitti, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025 These are stones that demonstrate exceptional light return, fire, scintillation, balanced symmetry and minimal light leakage, along with ideal shape outline. — Kyle Roderick, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025 That is, when the numerical weather predictions matched the actual weather, the scintillation predictions also correctly matched the observed fading of the optical link. — IEEE Spectrum, 30 Jan. 2025 While the team did not identify a repeating pattern in the scintillation changes, the study notes future observing campaigns lasting longer than a year could further refine predictions and improve corrections for interstellar distortion. — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 16 Jan. 2026 For example, the military's ultra-hardened Advanced Extremely High Frequency satellites in geosynchronous orbit are designed to operate through an electromagnetic pulse and nuclear scintillation. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scintillation
  1. fluorescence
  2. luminescence
  3. shimmer
  4. sparkle
  5. glint
  6. twinkle
  7. glitter
  8. glare
Noun
  • While that sounds much more intuitive, a technique called X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy reveals that what’s on the surface might not be the whole story.
    — Margherita Bassi, Popular Science, 11 June 2026
  • Also indicative of a dense shroud of gas were signs of fluorescence and helium-absorbing radiation.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 10 June 2026
Definition of fluorescence
Noun
  • Her exhibit design vision, envisaged in partnership with partner Paul Cournet and his studio Cloud, incorporated luminescence and hues that radiated from the gems, dictating the color palette of purple, green, yellow and pink.
    — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 25 June 2026
  • In a new study published in PLOS, researchers analyzed 161 fossils with a new rapid and non-destructive protocol, based on stimulating the bone remains with an external energy source, called luminescence.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 6 June 2026
Definition of luminescence
Noun
  • Her eyes also boasted their usual liquid black wing with a metallic shimmer on the lids and a Gothic charcoal hue buffed in her waterline.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 2 July 2026
  • Matte eyeshadows are preferred — a little shimmer is okay, but nothing too glittery — as are vibrant yet neutral cheek and lip colors.
    — Emily Krauser, PEOPLE, 20 June 2026
Definition of shimmer
Noun
  • Of course, no royal's look wouldn't be complete without some stunning sparkle—and the twins opted for pieces with special significance.
    — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 1 July 2026
  • This fast-paced, 60-minute performance puts a fresh spin on the classic one-ring circus, blending daring feats with playful mischief and Circus Bella’s signature sparkle with the Circus Bella All-Star Band’s live music.
    — Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 29 June 2026
Definition of sparkle
Noun
  • This glowing take on guava nails features green polish with a pink cat-eye glint.
    — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 29 June 2026
  • They were joined by a growing number of international rescue teams who began to climb through the rubble, offering a small glint of hope to anguished families.
    — Regina Cano Garcia, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026
Definition of glint
Noun
  • Perch yourself in the Hollywood Hills and watch as the city twinkles below at night.
    — Kristin Braswell, Architectural Digest, 30 June 2026
  • In the evening, the entire space is crisscrossed with twinkle lights.
    — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 11 June 2026
Definition of twinkle
Noun
  • Each is painted with one coat of sheer polish, then topped with a golden glitter.
    — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 2 July 2026
  • The new Firework Doughnut, an Original Glazed doughnut dipped in vanilla flavored icing with gold glitter and a firecracker sugar piece.
    — Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 1 July 2026
Definition of glitter
Noun
  • Harry and Meghan attended the queen's funeral, under the glare of the ever watchful British tabloids.
    — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 6 July 2026
  • Mercury and Jupiter are now swinging behind the sun and are lost in the bright solar glare.
    — Joe Rao, Space.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of glare

Browse Nearby Words

scintillating
scintillation
scintillations
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scintillation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scintillation. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of gambol

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
hangman letters and game
Hangman Lightning Round Figure out which word fits in the blanks.
See All