SHEEN Synonyms: 76 Similar and Opposite Words

sheen 1 of 2

noun

Definition of sheen

as in gleam

brightness created by light reflected from a surface polished the metal until it had an even sheen

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

sheen

2 of 2

verb

as in to shimmer

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 sheen

Noun

Guests return year on year, generation on generation, making Coral Reef Club the perfect antidote to the detached, impersonal sheen of the modern chain resort. — Jonnie Bayfield, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 2026 Rising energy prices due to the Iran war have squeezed the Indian economy, taking the sheen off its domestic consumption story. — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 17 July 2026

Verb

There’s a painterly look to the image, rather than the typical slop-style sickly sheen, but the AI origins are still unmistakable. — Cath Virginia, The Verge, 11 Apr. 2026 The pigmentation of this formula is quite strong and leaves behind a glow that isn’t overly sparkly or sheen. — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 8 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sheen

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sheen

Noun

Meanwhile, Tucuma-seed and buriti oils soften the skin and boost its radiance for a subtle, youthful gleam.

— Jenny Berg, Vogue, 17 July 2026
In other words, there is no recapturing the mythological—and curiously innocent—gleam of earlier World Cup eras.

— Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 17 July 2026

Definition of gleam

Verb

Complete with shimmering ivory sequins, an open back, and a dramatic train, the futuristic silhouette felt perfectly in step with the film’s otherworldly aesthetic.

— Amanda Le, InStyle, 23 July 2026
The five-year-old could be seen rocking a red T-shirt while throwing shimmering streamers open before a window, where pink and red balloons floated outside.

— Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026

Definition of shimmer

Noun

Guests share pupu platters and drink rum cocktails beneath the glow of colored lamps.

— Tracey Teo, AJC.com, 23 July 2026
Nowhere is that more evident than in the living room, where a Noguchi Akari pendant hovers before the loft’s monumental windows, casting a warm glow over an ensemble of vintage pieces.

— David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 23 July 2026

Definition of glow

Verb

Macron enjoys nothing more than a glittering reception in France’s capital, a place foreign power brokers and business leaders like to spend time.

— Kamal Ahmed, Fortune, 23 July 2026
On behalf of everyone at Media Res, thank you to our extraordinary crew, our staggering, glittering cast, our remarkable writers, and to our partners at Apple, Hello Sunshine and Echo Films.

— Joe Otterson, Variety, 23 July 2026

Definition of glitter

Verb

Harrowing body camera video released by the NYPD captures the frightening moments as Emergency Service Unit officers plead with the woman to back away from the edge, as sun glistened off the cold water below.

— Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 9 July 2026
Muchová faded from the set after that, leaving the court at the set break while Gauff remained, unbothered by the sun and the sweat glistening on her shoulders.

— Ava Wallace, New York Times, 9 July 2026

Definition of glisten

Noun

All of this has happened without the glare of the national spotlight and amid muted public outcry, as local and state leaders have largely cooperated with the federal government.

— Kat Lonsdorf, NPR, 27 July 2026
In a side-by-side comparison, the Z Fold 8 Ultra is far easier to view under direct lighting, thanks to its new glare-reducing feature.

— Eric Zeman, PC Magazine, 22 July 2026

Definition of glare

Verb

The experience of eating it is even more shocking … the electric crunch of passionfruit seeds giving way to exploding citrus vesicles, glimmering like wayward teardrop gems … and … was that a dehydrated banana?

— Cooking Editor, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
Gomez glimmered in a gold gown by Oscar de la Renta and matching gold high heels, as first revealed by her hairstylist, Renato Campora, on Instagram.

— Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026

Definition of glimmer

Browse Nearby Words

sheds

sheen

sheened

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Sheen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sheen. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of sheen

noun

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on sheen

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

comely

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly

Popular in Wordplay

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Jul. 31

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes