1
as in star
a ball-shaped gaseous celestial body that shines by its own light
awed by the vast number of luminaries in the night sky
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in celebrity
a person who is widely known and usually much talked about
luminaries from the worlds of sports, entertainment, and politics were at the gala
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in lighted
Related Words
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 luminary
Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 23 May 2025
The original closet, the one housed at the company’s offices not far from Union Square, has over the years become a regular stop for filmmakers and other luminaries to score free discs and record videos ruminating about the movies that have shaped their lives.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 29 May 2025
These luminaries provide a spine of photographic excellence that anchors the fair’s historical dimension.
—Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
The 74-room joint became especially popular among rock ‘n’ rollers, over time hosting luminaries like Bob Marley, Led Zeppelin, Janis Joplin, Joan Jett and Sly Stone.
—Marah Eakin, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for luminary
Adjective
Among the tennis luminaries that will be calling the action include the McEnroes, Agassi and Jim Courier, as well as Chris Evert, Venus Williams and Linsday Davenport.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 23 May 2025
The original closet, the one housed at the company’s offices not far from Union Square, has over the years become a regular stop for filmmakers and other luminaries to score free discs and record videos ruminating about the movies that have shaped their lives.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 29 May 2025
These luminaries provide a spine of photographic excellence that anchors the fair’s historical dimension.
—Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
The 74-room joint became especially popular among rock ‘n’ rollers, over time hosting luminaries like Bob Marley, Led Zeppelin, Janis Joplin, Joan Jett and Sly Stone.
—Marah Eakin, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for luminary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for luminary
Noun
-
That would be an interesting star to add to a solid rotation for 2026 that will include Sonny Gray and Matthew Liberatore.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 June 2025
-
With a championship pedigree and legacy to match, Parker’s new role was no longer the star but the connector.—
Anthony De Leon,
Los Angeles Times,
29 June 2025
Noun
-
To date, Anderson’s Bookshop has hosted scores of big names authors, personalities and celebrities.—
Tess Kenny,
Chicago Tribune,
21 June 2025
-
Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free newsletter to get the latest trailers, celebrity interviews, film reviews, and more.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
21 June 2025
Noun
-
The European Space Agency telescope is designed to make a 3D map of the universe by looking at billions of galaxies up to 10 billion light years away across one third of the sky.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 June 2025
-
According to the study, the first explanation is supermassive black holes found at the heart of galaxies.—
Nick Butler,
FOXNews.com,
28 June 2025
Noun
-
Professional Photo: Use a high-quality, professional headshot that reflects your personality—and make sure to smile.—
Jay Garcia,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
The impact on daily life Being able to communicate in real-time, with one's own voice and personality, is a game-changer for people living with paralysis.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
1 July 2025
Adjective
-
Glowing collarbones, shimmering shoulders, and luminous legs are all part of the summer story.—
Larry Stansbury,
Essence,
27 June 2025
-
The color in the glass is a delicate but luminous pale pink, with reflections reminiscent of rose petals or light salmon.—
Elisabetta Tosi,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
Noun
-
People were advised to stay out of the sun, drink fluids, and to check on relatives and neighbors.—
Anna Commander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 June 2025
-
Use drapes or shades on windows to keep out the sun.—
Janet Loehrke,
USA Today,
25 June 2025
Noun
-
Suddenly, Amelia Earhart and other dignitaries started passing through.—
Randy Mason,
Kansas City Star,
19 June 2025
-
When a dead body is discovered during a state dinner with Australian dignitaries, eccentric detective Cordelia Cupp (Aduba) is called to investigate.—
Sydney Bucksbaum,
EW.com,
5 June 2025
Adjective
-
When Richard Ellmann’s James Joyce hit the shelves in 1959, the sheer size of the book (842 pages, 100 longer than Ulysses ) was as dazzling as the degree of detail.—
Eric Bulson,
The Atlantic,
16 June 2025
-
Romance and your creative potential will be dazzling!—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
13 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Luminary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luminary. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share