luminary 1 of 2

noun

ˈlü-mə-ˌner-ē How to pronounce luminary (audio)
Definition of luminarynext
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

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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

luminary

2 of 2

adjective

as in luminous

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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
Noun
His art often featured jazz luminaries, boxers, and other figures along with graffiti-like words. — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 21 Oct. 2026 Meanwhile, Julia’s War helped launch the careers of indie luminaries like Wednesday and Feeble Little Horse, and their rolodex currently boasts promising up-and-comers like Cashier and MX Lonely. — Abby Jones, Pitchfork, 19 Oct. 2026
Adjective
All three bars take their places alongside other luminary bars in the Bay Area, Southern California, Seattle, Denver, Phoenix and Maui. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 2026 A lot of neighborhoods have luminary traditions that involve lining DIY paper lanterns along the streets and pathways. — Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 11 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for luminary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for luminary
  1. star
  2. celebrity
  3. luminous
  4. galaxy
  5. personality
  6. illuminated
  7. sun
  8. dignitary
Noun
  • Antetokounmpo’s Heat co-star Bam Adebayo scored just four points in Monday’s half before going on to finish with 16 points on 5-of-10 shooting from the field and 1-of-2 shooting on threes, nine rebounds and four assists.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The basketball expert also worked on two books with NBA star Charles Barkley.
    — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of star
Noun
  • His work with Leonard eventually led him to work for British Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and several of Leonard’s celebrity clients, including Twiggy, Jackie Onassis and Mick Jagger, per The Times.
    — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2026
  • There are 92 handheld options in total, some named after politicians and celebrities, like the Jackie Chan—bulgogi, cilantro, avocado, lettuce, jalapeños, and onions, served on a roll or hero.
    — Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of celebrity
Adjective
  • Carl Andre, Dan Flavin, and the minimalists learned from Brancusi’s serial imagery and the anonymity of his luminous, streamlined forms.
    — Michael Brenson, Vogue, 1 Nov. 2026
  • The simple-but-elegant cut was made even more glamorous by the luminous nature of the fabric, which glittered underneath the lights on Friday’s red carpet.
    — Erin Wisti, Footwear News, 31 Oct. 2026
Definition of luminous
Noun
  • The team is now collaborating with NASA to investigate whether the approach could help analyse light from distant galaxies.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Together, these tools offered astronomers extraordinary insights into GRBs—extremely luminous eruptions that occur in distant galaxies when massive stars explode or collide, sometimes leaving behind neutron stars or black holes.
    — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of galaxy
Noun
  • In some cases, the contenders have made statements many Jews perceive as antisemitic or who have alliances with personalities known for statements widely viewed as antisemitic.
    — Tovah Lazaroff, Sun Sentinel, 3 Nov. 2026
  • In many ways, the joy of playing Mary is that different actors bring different aspects and personality nuances to the role.
    — Jenelle Riley, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of personality
Adjective
  • Spanning more than 400 feet overhead, Northern Lights features shifting colors and illuminated curtains that evoke the northern sky.
    — Rick West, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026
  • After the first day’s sessions, participants dispersed to parties; at one, singers in sequins belted out covers while someone played an illuminated, transparent violin.
    — Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of illuminated
Noun
  • Brush On Block formulates cruelty-free mineral sun care powders and lip oils built for application and reapplication so protecting your skin fits into your day, not the other way around.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Lorraine Eiler stood in the blazing August sun, surrounded by reporters, to offer a warning.
    — Ryan Devereaux, ProPublica, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of sun
Noun
  • Another was Hussein Abdallah al-Maatouq, a religious dignitary and secretary-general of the National Islamic Alliance, Kuwait's most influential Shia movement, the sources said.
    — Frank Andrews, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026
  • As part of the NFL’s halftime show announcement, Goodell revealed that his one request to Jay when the NFL entered a partnership with Roc Nation was that the Brooklyn rap dignitary take the Super Bowl stage at some point.
    — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of dignitary

Browse Nearby Words

luminaries
luminary
luminesce
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Cite this Entry

“Luminary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luminary. Accessed 7 Nov. 2026.

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