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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective luminous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of luminous are bright, brilliant, lustrous, and radiant. While all these words mean "shining or glowing with light," luminous implies emission of steady, suffused, glowing light by reflection or in surrounding darkness.

When is it sensible to use bright instead of luminous?

In some situations, the words bright and luminous are roughly equivalent. However, bright implies emitting or reflecting a high degree of light.

When is brilliant a more appropriate choice than luminous?

Although the words brilliant and luminous have much in common, brilliant implies intense often sparkling brightness.

When can lustrous be used instead of luminous?

While the synonyms lustrous and luminous are close in meaning, lustrous stresses an even, rich light from a surface that reflects brightly without glittering.

In what contexts can radiant take the place of luminous?

The words radiant and luminous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, radiant stresses the emission or seeming emission of rays of light.

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 luminous The northern lights are a luminous glow seen around the magnetic poles of the northern and southern hemispheres, according to the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute. Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2025 In 1985, a research vessel was able to collect a water sample during a milky seas event, which revealed the presence of a luminous kind of bacteria called Vibrio harveyi. Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Apr. 2025 Maximum results appear in four to six weeks, so plan ahead to board your plane with luminous skin. Rana Good, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025 In addition to Stewart, stars like Bethenny Frankel, Helen Mirren, and Eva Longoria have all used the luminous moisturizer, and PEOPLE Shopping editors have relied on it for years, too. Nicol Natale, People.com, 13 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for luminous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for luminous
Adjective
  • Fine needles stimulate collagen and elastin for a glowing, even complexion, ideal for addressing hyperpigmentation before a trip.
    Rana Good, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • The townsfolk run for cover as the glowing red eyes and bone-chilling howls signal the return of the terrifying creature.
    Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Her thirty-five-year corporate journey has been marked by outstanding achievement and transformative influence.
    Mamie Jones, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Explore Kylie Minogue See latest videos, charts and news The honor, awarded annually by APRA AMCOS, recognizes outstanding contributions to the Australian music industry.
    Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • She’s been wildly influential without ever being less than unmistakable; no matter what sonic, thematic or characteristic elements other artists may borrow from her, none of them would ever risk being taken for Lana herself.
    Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 26 Apr. 2025
  • The song, a collaboration between The Pogues frontman MacGowan and the unmistakable O’Connor, reenters the Official Physical Singles chart at No. 18.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Her next shining moment comes when two young sisters enter the hospital.
    Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • There were definitely moments that were less shining than others for me.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The research was designed to capture a look at much of the world, said study lead and report contributor Dr. Byron Johnson, distinguished professor of the social sciences at Baylor in Waco, Texas.
    Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Only this season for Valladolid has proved anything but distinguished.
    Henry Flynn, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Hague lamented the rush to reach a deal in the absence of any obvious pressure on Russia but with an intense focus on obtaining for the U.S. the mineral wealth of Ukraine.
    Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Still, Strider was frustrated for obvious reasons and searching for answers.
    David O'Brien, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Come for breakfast or a light lunch and stay for their dazzling cheese selection—over 150 varieties served with the kind of attention to detail that makes even a simple sandwich feel sublime.
    Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The movie, a dazzling retelling of a mythic boy-god, has grossed an astonishing US$2 billion worldwide, outperforming many Hollywood releases.
    Shaoyu Yuan, The Conversation, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • While performance in European competition has propelled them into financial parity with Scandinavia’s biggest clubs, there’s an acceptance that when players shine, there will be interest from more affluent and prestigious sides.
    Elias Burke, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Harassment, fear alter campus life As prestigious universities like Harvard became a focal point of outside scrutiny last year, external harassment had devastating effects on students, the report says.
    Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Luminous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luminous. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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