coruscate
Glitter with light
To coruscate is to flash or sparkle with light, especially in quick, intermittent bursts: Sunlight coruscated off the waves.
The word is literary and somewhat rare.
Figuratively, brilliant wit or prose may coruscate—suggesting dazzling, rapid flashes of cleverness: Her dialogue coruscates with sharp observations.
Intense burning fire
- flareSudden bright burst
- flashBrief burst of light
- sparkTiny fiery particle
- igniteStart burning something
lightning · strobe · burst · bolt · crackle · discharge · explosion · sudden
Shine with flickering light
- glintBrief bright reflection
- glitterDecorative metallic flecks
- glimmerFaint, wavering light
- flickerUnsteady, brief light
spangle · sequin · tinsel · diamond · gemstone · crystal · frost · dewdrop
Exceptional intelligence or luster
- luminescenceHeatless light emission
- effulgenceRadiant brightness pouring forth
- refulgenceShining with intense light
- incandescenceLight from heated objects
resplendence · splendor · glory · magnificence · dazzling · blinding · intense · vivid
Faint reflected light
- sheenSoft surface luster
- lusterSoft reflected light
- iridescenceColor shift from interference
- opalescenceMilky, shifting luster
pearlescence · nacreous · moonbeam · candlelight · wavering · ripple · gossamer · silk
blaze
Intense burning fire
ignite · lightning · strobe · burst · bolt · crackle · discharge · explosion · sudden · instant
twinkle
Shine with flickering light
flicker · spangle · sequin · tinsel · diamond · gemstone · crystal · frost · dewdrop · starlight
brilliance
Exceptional intelligence or luster
- luminescenceHeatless light emission
- effulgenceRadiant brightness pouring forth
- refulgenceShining with intense light
incandescence · resplendence · splendor · glory · magnificence · dazzling · blinding · intense · vivid · fierce
gleam
Faint reflected light
- sheenSoft surface luster
- lusterSoft reflected light
- iridescenceColor shift from interference
opalescence · pearlescence · nacreous · moonbeam · candlelight · wavering · ripple · gossamer · silk · satin
brilliant
Intensely bright or gifted
- cleverShowing mental quickness
- dazzlingOverwhelmingly bright or impressive
- sparklingEmitting small bright flashes
scintillating · sharp · quick · repartee · banter · eloquence · verbal · intellectual · epigram · bon-mot