Context is what makes one word better than another. Every word has a very specific meaning, and if that is the meaning that you wish to convey, then it is the right word. If it is not quite the meaning you wish to convey, then you need another word. But you haven't stated any context.
The gleaming sword was razor sharp.Her hair was gleaming in the sunlight. We followed the gleaming lights to their doorway.
When I woke up there was a gleaming light from the sun.
Sparkling or glittery!
Shining, sparkling, glimmering...
Shining brilliantly, gleaming
There are 2 syllables. Gleam-ing.
Nope, gleaming is an adjective
The dwarves and the elves were fighting for the hoard of gleaming gold.
The likely word is the term 'lustre' (a shine, sheen, or gleaming appearance).
Excalibur is a much better word than exclaimed, in my opinion.
Even better!
The word "scintillation" could be used. To scintillate means to glitter, sparkle, or twinkle.