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
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Recent Examples of luminary
Sean Lee, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
This collection is a collaborative deep engagement with translation with translation (and poetry) luminaries like Aditi Machado and Sawako Nakayasu.
—Diana Arterian, Literary Hub, 14 May 2026
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
Noun
This shifts the focus to a central architectural split which industry luminaries like Blackrock’s Larry Fink and Rob Goldstein have been touting for some time.
—Sean Lee, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
This collection is a collaborative deep engagement with translation with translation (and poetry) luminaries like Aditi Machado and Sawako Nakayasu.
—Diana Arterian, Literary Hub, 14 May 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
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New Ravens coach Jesse Minter offered little explanation but downplayed concerns about Jackson’s absence and suggested the star quarterback would return soon.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
20 May 2026
-
Depending on the time of year, guests can see planets, nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, and beyond.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
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.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
PEOPLE,
17 May 2026
-
The audience for the midnight screening was rowdy and ready to see their favorite celebrities on screen.—
Ellise Shafer,
Variety,
17 May 2026
Adjective
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Beyond its luminous core, Messier 77 is also a highly active site of star formation.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
10 May 2026
-
The Boot of Cortez, on the other hand, is 98 percent pure gold, and its rich, luminous hue exemplifies that composition.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
8 May 2026
Noun
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One especially striking image features the galaxy rising above a sea of clouds in La Palma, creating an almost surreal scene.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2026
-
The small crew on board, armed with miniaturising technology of extraordinary sophistication, is on a mission to drain Earth’s water supply and sell it across the galaxy for profit.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
Mercury enters your sign, helping your thoughts land faster, cleaner, and with more personality.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
17 May 2026
-
The rooms Judy likes to give each hotel a personality, but using Poldark as inspiration wouldn’t be nearly quirky enough for the Hutsons.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 May 2026
Adjective
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Because a bright sky helps subdue Venus's glare, this is a good time to inspect the planet telescopically, though its gibbous disk remains rather small and approximately seven-eighths illuminated.—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
18 May 2026
-
Facade and interior of a pharmacy (pharmacie) with green illuminated sign, display windows and sales area visible through the windows in Paris, France, on March 19, 2026.—
Pooja Mistry,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
Noun
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After a day in the sun, unwind at La Casa sul Mare, where airy accommodations offer sea views, and linger over plates of seafood pastas at Da Mariano.—
Nicky Swallow,
Travel + Leisure,
17 May 2026
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Lastly, the mighty sun ventures into Gemini on May 20 for the month ahead — so happy birthday to all of you Geminis out there!—
Kyle Thomas,
PEOPLE,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
Still, since at least the Obama administration, the Navy and the park service have quietly allowed a handful of dignitaries, including military and government officials responsible for management of the memorial, to swim at the site.—
Jim Mustian,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2026
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City commissioners, dignitaries, guest speakers and the Coconut Creek Police Department Honor Guard will be part of the annual Memorial Day Ceremony.—
Kari Barnett,
Sun Sentinel,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Luminary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luminary. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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