LUMINARY Synonyms: 102 Similar and Opposite Words

luminary 1 of 2

noun

ˈlü-mə-ˌner-ē

Definition of luminary

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

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

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

Noun

More than 200 economists and AI luminaries are urging action to address social and economic AI disruption. — Benjamin Guggenheim, Washington Post, 14 July 2026 But we’re never seen a revolution move like this—and that’s why the luminaries above are so concerned. — Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 14 July 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

Noun

Blackwell is a 3-star prospect who committed to Clemson in May.

— Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 23 July 2026
Four decades after buying his first ring, Goodall remains the man trusted by boxing’s biggest promoters and biggest stars.

— Chris McKenna, New York Times, 22 July 2026

Definition of star

Noun

Goodtime, originally with celebrity backing from musician Pharrell Williams and entertainment mogul David Grutman, was auctioned off by lenders in a foreclosure action earlier this year.

— Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
Even during the match, cameramen and directors were obsessed with seeking out celebrities.

— Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 21 July 2026

Definition of celebrity

Adjective

The capri-adjacent shorts were cut in midweight washed viscose with a textured handfeel and luminous sheen, and are finished with side cargo pockets and dual back pockets.

— Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 20 July 2026
So although there are fewer meteors an hour during this shower, the luminous nature of the ones that do fall makes up for it.

— Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 20 July 2026

Definition of luminous

Noun

That is, until a star gets too close and is shredded in an incredibly bright TDE that can outshine the combined light of every star in the supermassive black hole's host galaxy.

— Robert Lea, Space.com, 22 July 2026
With a representative sample of exoplanets in the galaxy, scientists can more accurately determine if planets like Earth are rare or plentiful.

— Elijah Tan, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 July 2026

Definition of galaxy

Noun

To produce the coverage, Telemundo deployed more than 80 on-air personalities representing every Latin American country in the tournament, generating over 700 hours of original programming across 39 days.

— Veronica Villafañe, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Ruled by the sun, this Fire sign has a big heart, a big personality… and sometimes an even bigger ego!

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026

Definition of personality

Adjective

The electronic sword is powered by a rechargeable USB-C port for both play and an illuminated shelf display.

— Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
In addition to the new tenants, Younger Partners has been making improvements to the district’s landscaping and the illuminated ring at the intersection of Crockett Street and Currie Street.

— Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 July 2026

Definition of illuminated

Noun

Nothing felt more like island life than rolling through his coastal town fully exposed to the sun and saltwater air.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 2026
TDEs are more common to supermassive black holes with masses of about 100,000 to 100 million suns, because supermassive black holes with masses over 1 billion solar masses tend to immediately swallow their stellar snacks.

— Robert Lea, Space.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of sun

Noun

In the second half of the 18th Dynasty (1550—1292 BCE), high-ranking city dignitaries created tombs for themselves in the limestone cliffs at Bubasteion.

— Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 22 July 2026
Among the ships open for tours is the USS Arlington, a nearly 700-foot-long Navy amphibious transport ship, which typically moves Marines, Sailors and dignitaries across the world.

— Aaron Parseghian, CBS News, 13 July 2026

Definition of dignitary

Browse Nearby Words

luminaries

luminary

luminesce

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“Luminary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luminary. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of luminary

noun

adjective

Example Sentences

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