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

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
This remarkable proportion is the very reason why these two luminaries appear identical in size from our perspective here on the planet. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 28 July 2026 Nearly all of those Allman Brothers landmarks remain today, along with historic sites for Macon luminaries like Little Richard, Otis Redding, and James Brown. — Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 22 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
  1. star
  2. celebrity
  3. luminous
  4. galaxy
  5. personality
  6. illuminated
  7. sun
  8. dignitary
Noun
  • Amziah hands off the honey plant to Kateri as McConaughey, the Oscar-winning movie star, hands off the film to newcomer LookingGlass, in her very first movie role.
    — Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Earlier in the night, Pallister beat Canadian star Summer McIntosh for gold in the 200–meter freestyle.
    — Peter Baugh, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of star
Noun
  • This next generation of talent provides an in for luxury brands who are keen to generate loyalty and sales, not just celebrity fervor, through their Korean brand ambassadors.
    — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 12 Aug. 2026
  • On his Instagram account, Harper shared a screenshot of the request on Cameo, an app that allows users to pay celebrities to record custom videos.
    — Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of celebrity
Adjective
  • In the clip, the luminous actress walks into a room in a white ensemble with her arms crossed over her stomach.
    — Morgan Evans, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Don Nelson, who became the NBA’s leader in coaching wins and twice lifted the Warriors from the pits of competitive despair into the playoffs during a luminous half-century pro basketball life, died Sunday.
    — Carl Steward, Mercury News, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of luminous
Noun
  • The prevalence of LRDs in the early universe would align with the emergence of supermassive black holes, each weighing millions to billions of suns apiece, which astronomers spy at the hearts of large galaxies.
    — Lee Billings, Scientific American, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Hawks leads Zero Company, an unconventional outfit of professionals for hire from across the galaxy, which includes a Clone Trooper, a Mandalorian, a Jedi Padawan and more.
    — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of galaxy
Noun
  • Male actors seem to be given more leeway than female stars to display bigger personalities without the public turning on them.
    — David Mack, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The approaches may differ, the personalities may differ and the environments definitely differ.
    — Elise Devlin, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of personality
Adjective
  • While a thin sliver will remain illuminated by direct sunlight, most of the lunar surface will appear dramatically darkened with a subtle reddish-orange glow — reminiscent of a total lunar eclipse seen across North America on March 3.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The eatery features Midcentury Modern touches with curved cherry wood walls and paneled ceilings, as well as illuminated white onyx Corian surfaces.
    — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of illuminated
Noun
  • Why This Eclipse Is Special Lunar eclipses occur only during a full moon, when Earth passes directly between the sun and the moon.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Outside, women trudge past in a rainbow of saris that cling to their fragile frames, seared by the punishing sun.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of sun
Noun
  • The school back then had a solid curriculum and robust extracurricular offerings, including a world-class band that played for numerous dignitaries, which later in the century would include President Richard Nixon.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Aug. 2026
  • There it was met by Ivorian minister of culture Francoise Remarck, along with local dignitaries and residents.
    — Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 10 Aug. 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 15 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of luminary for Spanish Speakers

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