1
as in glowing
giving off or reflecting much light
the luminous moon bathed the snow-covered fields with a pearly glow
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in outstanding
standing above others in rank, importance, or achievement
some of the most luminous writers in the nation's history have graced that magazine's pages
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in unmistakable
not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation
an author with a simple, luminous prose style that is free of affectation and pretention
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of luminous
The northern lights are a luminous glow seen around the magnetic poles of the northern and southern hemispheres, according to the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute.
—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2025
In 1985, a research vessel was able to collect a water sample during a milky seas event, which revealed the presence of a luminous kind of bacteria called Vibrio harveyi.
—Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Apr. 2025
Maximum results appear in four to six weeks, so plan ahead to board your plane with luminous skin.
—Rana Good, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
In addition to Stewart, stars like Bethenny Frankel, Helen Mirren, and Eva Longoria have all used the luminous moisturizer, and PEOPLE Shopping editors have relied on it for years, too.
—Nicol Natale, People.com, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for luminous
Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2025
In 1985, a research vessel was able to collect a water sample during a milky seas event, which revealed the presence of a luminous kind of bacteria called Vibrio harveyi.
—Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Apr. 2025
Maximum results appear in four to six weeks, so plan ahead to board your plane with luminous skin.
—Rana Good, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
In addition to Stewart, stars like Bethenny Frankel, Helen Mirren, and Eva Longoria have all used the luminous moisturizer, and PEOPLE Shopping editors have relied on it for years, too.
—Nicol Natale, People.com, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for luminous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for luminous
Adjective
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Fine needles stimulate collagen and elastin for a glowing, even complexion, ideal for addressing hyperpigmentation before a trip.—
Rana Good,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
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The townsfolk run for cover as the glowing red eyes and bone-chilling howls signal the return of the terrifying creature.—
Brady MacDonald,
Oc Register,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Her thirty-five-year corporate journey has been marked by outstanding achievement and transformative influence.—
Mamie Jones,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
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Although single motherhood was challenging, Henson has a moving story and created an outstanding life for herself despite the odds.—
Essence,
Essence,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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She’s been wildly influential without ever being less than unmistakable; no matter what sonic, thematic or characteristic elements other artists may borrow from her, none of them would ever risk being taken for Lana herself.—
Andrew Unterberger,
Billboard,
26 Apr. 2025
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The song, a collaboration between The Pogues frontman MacGowan and the unmistakable O’Connor, reenters the Official Physical Singles chart at No. 18.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Her next shining moment comes when two young sisters enter the hospital.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
People.com,
10 Apr. 2025
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There were definitely moments that were less shining than others for me.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Over time, inhaling these harmful chemicals can contribute to progressive lung problems like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to Sanjay Sethi, MD, SUNY distinguished professor and chief of pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine at the University at Buffalo.—
Stephanie Brown,
Verywell Health,
16 Apr. 2025
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Palmer was just one of several celebrities and distinguished guests who attended the Fashion Trust Awards on Tuesday.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Hague lamented the rush to reach a deal in the absence of any obvious pressure on Russia but with an intense focus on obtaining for the U.S. the mineral wealth of Ukraine.—
Ross Rosenfeld,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Apr. 2025
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With such a depleted draft stash, the Bucks don't have any obvious levers to pull to help bolster their supporting cast alongside Antetokounmpo and Lillard.—
Bryan Toporek,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Come for breakfast or a light lunch and stay for their dazzling cheese selection—over 150 varieties served with the kind of attention to detail that makes even a simple sandwich feel sublime.—
Lilah Ramzi,
Vogue,
24 Apr. 2025
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The movie, a dazzling retelling of a mythic boy-god, has grossed an astonishing US$2 billion worldwide, outperforming many Hollywood releases.—
Shaoyu Yuan,
The Conversation,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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If Cullen marries his daughter, perhaps he’ll be inclined to complete a letter of recommendation that the young man had requested for a prestigious fellowship.—
Michelle F. Solomon,
Miami Herald,
17 Apr. 2025
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International students – including at prestigious American universities – have been targeted amid the Trump administration’s larger immigration crackdown.—
Caroll Alvarado,
CNN Money,
17 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Luminous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luminous. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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