The best replacement for sparql is gremlin.

The best alternatives to sparql are rated as following:
★★★★★  gremlin
★★★★  cypher
★★★  prolog
★★  swrl

Your alternative for sparql is not listed? Suggest!
Speaking about sparql, one probably shouldn't forget about protege.

Other search terms related to sparql and their ratings are:
★★★★★ protege
★★★★★ jena
You have in mind a companion for sparql and it is not yet here? Propose!



Google Trends

Scale is based on the average worldwide traffic of sparql in all years. Click on graph for more.
sparql
gremlin
cypher