Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective lustrous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of lustrous are bright, brilliant, luminous, and radiant. While all these words mean "shining or glowing with light," lustrous stresses an even, rich light from a surface that reflects brightly without glittering.

When might bright be a better fit than lustrous?

The words bright and lustrous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bright implies emitting or reflecting a high degree of light.

When would brilliant be a good substitute for lustrous?

While the synonyms brilliant and lustrous are close in meaning, brilliant implies intense often sparkling brightness.

When is luminous a more appropriate choice than lustrous?

The synonyms luminous and lustrous are sometimes interchangeable, but luminous implies emission of steady, suffused, glowing light by reflection or in surrounding darkness.

When could radiant be used to replace lustrous?

The words radiant and lustrous can be used in similar contexts, but radiant stresses the emission or seeming emission of rays of light.

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 lustrous An iridescent top coat is the key to the perfect French chrome manicure, as illustrated by this lustrous look at Dluxe Nails. Mica Ricketts, refinery29.com, 28 Feb. 2025 For example, a light lavender lining peeks out from underneath the tool of the Rapunzel dress, which can be paired with a long, dramatic boa to imitate her lustrous mane. Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 11 Feb. 2025 Famous for its bond-building technology—which has resulted in more lustrous locks for celebrities like Charlize Theron—Olaplex infuses its moisture mask with a patented ingredient that Collins approves of. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2025 Phelps recommends semi-regular salon visits to keep the color rich and lustrous (typically every eight to 12 weeks), paired with color-protecting shampoos and conditioners to prevent fading. Izzie Deibe, refinery29.com, 15 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lustrous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lustrous
Adjective
  • To the visible eye, every dress is in incredible condition—luminous colors, embroideries from more than a century ago that shimmer anew, each silhouette fitted impeccably on the mannequin—and for some visitors, this will prove the most remarkable part of the show.
    Amy Verner, Vogue, 7 May 2025
  • Her luminous journey has been showcased in prominent media, including South Jersey Magazine.
    Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 7 May 2025
Adjective
  • Plus, her look proved that the skinny style can easily feel modern and fresh when worn with the right pieces — in this case, a polished blazer and a button-down.
    Averi Baudler, People.com, 1 May 2025
  • By the turn of the millennium, Green Day had already conquered pop culture as one of the few punk rock bands to etch a spot alongside the slick, polished pop that took hold in the late 1990s.
    Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • These dazzling meteors are the result of debris left by Halley’s Comet burning up in Earth’s atmosphere.
    Kayla Randall, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 May 2025
  • And just like watching a prima ballerina fly into a high-stakes pirouette and stick the landing, the effect is dazzling.
    Liam Hess, Vogue, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • Attendees rode in support of and alongside community member Eva Zamora, who is a shining example of how to live your best life with Parkinson’s disease and takes cycle classes at EōS regularly, a news release stated.
    News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Her next shining moment comes when two young sisters enter the hospital.
    Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • And not switch to some glossy, Millionaire-like set?
    Charlie Mason, TVLine, 2 May 2025
  • Its sheer, conditioning formula creates a glossy finish that feels especially fresh.
    Marci Robin, Allure, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • The vehicle has a long, low-slung exterior with a sculpted hood, a glowing 3D-effect grille, and sharp LED headlights that give it a high-tech, aggressive face.
    Josh Max, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
  • From dinner-friendly trousers to flowy tank dresses, these items are sweaty traveler-approved and have earned glowing reviews for keeping wearers dry even on balmy days.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Wear them with a white tank and Birkenstocks for coffee runs in LA, an oversized button-down and sneakers for walking around Lisbon, or a sleek black vest and strappy sandals for dinner in Miami.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 9 May 2025
  • The couple finally made their debut on Wednesday in chic coordinating outfits, with Jenner sporting a curve-hugging Schiaparelli gown, while her boyfriend looked dapper in a sleek velvet suit.
    Kirsty Hatcher, People.com, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • Tucked inside that shiny, white, crystal-ball-looking sphere isn’t magic.
    Jennifer Jolly, USA Today, 2 May 2025
  • His shoes were bright burgundy red with a shiny toe.
    Essence, Essence, 1 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lustrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lustrous. Accessed 15 May. 2025.

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