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 luminous
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
Robert Lang, Deadline, 2 Jan. 2026
This year's cast also features a handful of other reality luminaries — Dancing With the Stars' Mark Ballas and Top Chef's Kristen Kish — and a motley assortment of actors (Stephen Colletti, Michael Rapaport), Olympic figure skaters (Johnny Weir, Tara Lipinski), and drag queens (Monét X Change).
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Dec. 2025
Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Oct. 2025
Her royal debut during the royal reception for the most luminary names in Balearic society on Monday evening.
—Ben Jureidini, Glamour, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for luminary
Noun
This account is far from a dry recitation; it is filled with Hujar’s observations, honest self-assessments, and amusing dollops of gossip involving a wide circle of 1970s cultural luminaries.
—Robert Lang, Deadline, 2 Jan. 2026
This year's cast also features a handful of other reality luminaries — Dancing With the Stars' Mark Ballas and Top Chef's Kristen Kish — and a motley assortment of actors (Stephen Colletti, Michael Rapaport), Olympic figure skaters (Johnny Weir, Tara Lipinski), and drag queens (Monét X Change).
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Dec. 2025
Adjective
Among the notable new names set to walk the halls of the ennui-addled series are Natasha Lyonne, Eli Roth, YouTube icon Trisha Paytas, True Blood star Sam Trammell, and Till luminary Danielle Deadwyler.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Oct. 2025
Her royal debut during the royal reception for the most luminary names in Balearic society on Monday evening.
—Ben Jureidini, Glamour, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for luminary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for luminary
Noun
-
But the game did end with Vanderbilt safety CJ Heard showing blitz at the line of scrimmage, then bailing out to help Jordan Matthews double Auburn star receiver Cam Coleman in the end zone.—
Joe Rexrode,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
-
But the very nature of the connection between stars and their audience is now evolving, according to the IMDb report.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Korean skin care drew standing-room-only crowds, celebrity makeup artist Hung Vanngo gave his first masterclass, and in the bustling fragrance halls niche perfume houses attracted international distributors eager to understand how Arabic fragrance is reshaping global perfumery standards.—
Ritu Upadhyay,
Footwear News,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.—
Colson Thayer,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
With its luminous foliage, 'Lemon-Lime' Nandina makes a striking accent in shady plantings.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
6 Nov. 2025
-
The luminous roll call has Henry Cavill leading a cast that already includes Russell Crowe, Marisa Abela, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Jeremy Irons and Djimon Hounsou, as well as Max Zhang and Drew McIntyre.—
Borys Kit,
HollywoodReporter,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
By fictionalizing him as a real spaceman visiting new galaxies in each era of his career, Cordell brings young readers into the magic and wonder of Bowie’s life.—
Katie Hill,
PEOPLE,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Several sessions will showcase new results from surveys that combine data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), Hubble Space Telescope and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile, offering fresh insights into how galaxies formed and evolved in the early universe.—
Samantha Mathewson,
Space.com,
5 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Over the course of his life, Reagan worked as a clothing salesman, actor, radio personality, author, and political commentator.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Jan. 2026
-
But his personality is different.—
Marcus Thompson II,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Guests can expect more than 1,000 illuminated displays showcasing wildlife, vibrant landscapes, scenic pathways and festive holiday scenery.—
Diana Leyva,
Nashville Tennessean,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Today, nine illuminated trees float on McAdenville Lake as a tribute to the originals.—
Shameika Rhymes,
USA Today,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Some plants, like woodland spring ephemerals, have adapted to bloom before larger trees leaf out and block the sun.—
Paul Cappiello,
Louisville Courier Journal,
9 Jan. 2026
-
By that time in the afternoon, the sun was already behind the mountain ridges and dropping fast.—
Alan Gionet,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Representatives from various branches of the Armed Forces and city dignitaries are slated to attend.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Despite spending heavily to restore the mansion, Bloomberg chose to live in his Upper East Side townhouse, emphasizing the mansion’s role as a venue for municipal events, meetings with foreign dignitaries, and public tours rather than as a personal residence.—
Nandika Chatterjee,
Time,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Luminary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luminary. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share