Glimpse — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /ˈglim(p)s/

Meaning & Definition of Glimpse

Glimpse (verb)

  1. to get a brief look at
  2. to look briefly
  3. glimmer

Glimpse (noun)

  1. a fleeting view or look
  2. glimmer

Glimpse (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. an instance of looking especially briefly

    "I only got a glimpse of him as we drove by"

    similar: cast, eye, gander, glance, look, peek, peep, regard, sight, view
    related: gape, gaze, glare, leer, ogle, stare, side-glance, squinny, squint, coup d'oeil

Glimpse (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to take a quick or hasty look

    "just glimpsed at the photo then turned his attention elsewhere"

    similar: browse, dip, glance, glint, peek, skim
    related: keek (chiefly Scottish), peep, blink, squint, look over, peruse, rake, scan
    opposite: gaze, stare
    near: examine, overlook, oversee, question, survey, study, view, peer, pry, gawk, goggle, rubberneck, leer, ogle

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Glimpse

The most common words with a similar meaning to Glimpse:

cast, eye, gander, glance, look, peek, peep, regard, sight, view, browse, dip, glint, skim

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Glimpse

Words with the opposite meaning of Glimpse:

gaze, stare

Related Words for Glimpse

gape, gaze, glare, leer, ogle, stare, side-glance, squinny, squint, coup d'oeil, keek, blink, look over, peruse, rake, scan

Near Antonyms of Glimpse

examine, overlook, oversee, question, survey, study, view, peer, pry, gawk, goggle, rubberneck, leer, ogle

Word Forms of Glimpse

Inflections: glimpsed, glimpsing

Derived words: glimpser (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Glimpse

Middle English glimsen; akin to Middle High German glimsen to glimmer, Old English glǣm gleam

First known use: 14th centuryi

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Glimpse

Frequently Asked Questions about Glimpse

What does "Glimpse" mean?

"Glimpse" means to get a brief look at. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to get a brief look at. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Glimpse"?

Other words for "Glimpse" include cast, eye, gander, glance, look, peek, peep and regard. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Glimpse" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Glimpse"?

There are 30 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Glimpse". Common alternatives include cast, eye, gander, glance, look, peek, peep, regard, sight and view.

What is the opposite of "Glimpse"?

Antonyms of "Glimpse" include gaze and stare. Near antonyms include examine, overlook, oversee and question.

How do you use "Glimpse" in a sentence?

Examples of "Glimpse" in a sentence: "I only got a glimpse of him as we drove by"; "just glimpsed at the photo then turned his attention elsewhere".

Is "Glimpse" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Glimpse" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

Is "Glimpse" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Glimpse" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Glimpse"?

"Glimpse" is pronounced /ˈglim(p)s/.