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
as in luminous
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of luminary
Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 26 Mar. 2026
At any rate, Bill’s getting the Twain, given previously to comedic luminaries including Richard Pryor, Whoopi Goldberg, George Carlin, Lily Tomlin, Steve Martin, Lorne Michaels, Tina Fey and Dave Chappelle.
—Assistant Editor, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2026
Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 11 Nov. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for luminary
Noun
The ingredients themselves are the luminaries of spring.
—Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 26 Mar. 2026
At any rate, Bill’s getting the Twain, given previously to comedic luminaries including Richard Pryor, Whoopi Goldberg, George Carlin, Lily Tomlin, Steve Martin, Lorne Michaels, Tina Fey and Dave Chappelle.
—Assistant Editor, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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
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
See All Example Sentences for luminary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for luminary
Noun
-
Neighbors opposed to a soccer star’s plans for a six-plex in the Westside are appealing after a judge denied their request for a review.—
Chris Higgins,
Kansas City Star,
8 Apr. 2026
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Along with the people-watching at a hotel known for housing stars from Taylor Sheridan’s TV shows, the new menus make the patio the best place to dine on pretty days.—
Bud Kennedy,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
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That celebrity influence and Pokémon’s global audience have ensured the franchise’s longevity and explosion of value, according to collectible experts.—
Vanessa Yurkevich,
CNN Money,
4 Apr. 2026
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Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with our EW Dispatch newsletter.—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
In wet winters, the valleys beyond town awaken in color as sand verbena, desert sunflower, evening primrose and pincushion gather in brief, luminous blooms across the desert floor.—
Josh Jackson,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Apr. 2026
-
This velvety take on the trend has a luminous, eye-catching finish that shines bright on its own.—
Kara Jillian Brown,
InStyle,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
This discovery could offer fresh clues about how our galaxy evolved and how its dark matter is distributed, the study's researchers say.—
Sharmila Kuthunur,
Space.com,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Ahead of the show's premiere, Witwer spoke to ABC News about what Devon offers Maul in a galaxy where his former master, Darth Sidious, now rules as Emperor Palpatine.—
Sean Keane,
ABC News,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Jayden is a sweet, funny, and bright young boy with a joyful and engaging personality.—
MARE Staff,
Boston Herald,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Daisie, 14, full of laughter and positive energy, is a one-of-a-kind personality.—
The Star
April 4,
Kansas City Star,
4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Glover, for instance, was particularly captivated by the jagged topography along the moon’s terminator, the dividing line between its illuminated side and the side cloaked in darkness.—
Denise Chow,
NBC news,
7 Apr. 2026
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On the illuminated side of Earth, clouds are visible over Australia and Oceania, while the dark side is in nighttime.—
Jacopo Prisco,
CNN Money,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Mostly elderly people walked in the street, soaking up the sun.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 Apr. 2026
-
One theory is that ultraviolet radiation from the sun may have been the key.—
Jerome Groopman,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Family members, close friends, colleagues and dignitaries will enter from Franklin Boulevard and park in the south parking lot, using Entry 5.—
Angela Palermo,
Idaho Statesman,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Warden Bob Markle was an accomplished sport fisherman, in demand as a guide for visiting dignitaries, and likely to be found fishing or hunting on off-duty time.—
Dave Duffey,
Outdoor Life,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Luminary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luminary. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026.
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