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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 Oct. 2025 Many of those newfound objects were incredibly far away and therefore extremely luminous, but looked so much like stars that they were dubbed quasi-stellar radio sources, or quasars for short. Phil Plait, Scientific American, 16 Oct. 2025 The pads look good, too, with eye-catching, contemporary facades, floor-to-ceiling glass, luminous interiors, sculptural staircases, and generous outdoor areas. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 15 Oct. 2025 This luminous documentary by Tasha Van Zandt offers a rare glimpse into the ocean’s glowing ecosystems while taking audiences on a thrilling deep-sea exploration. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for luminous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for luminous
Adjective
  • The Landmark’s stage welcomes big-name concerts, touring Broadway hits, and a steady stream of live events that keep the marquee glowing year-round.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Another scene shows Nishio-San taking Amélie to a day of the dead ritual, with hundreds of glowing lanterns floating down a river to mark the occasion.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Shrinking earned a total of seven nominations at the 2025 Emmy Awards, including Ford's first-ever Emmy nomination for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series.
    Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
  • At the end of the third quarter, GM's outstanding shares were at 954 million, a 15% decline from a year earlier.
    Michael Wayland, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The production, the rhythm, the message and Langley’s unmistakable voice meld mightily to make this an irresistible track and further cement Langley as one of the genre’s brightest newcomers.
    Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Analyzing over 20 million AI shopping agent conversations revealed an unmistakable pattern.
    Fayez Mohamood, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The best shining example of something that was influenced by us is the British version of The Office.
    Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Attendees rode in support of and alongside community member Eva Zamora, who is a shining example of how to live your best life with Parkinson’s disease and takes cycle classes at EōS regularly, a news release stated.
    News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In fact, Mendoza went 21-4 as Columbus’ starting QB in a distinguished prep career.
    Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Somewhere on this wide spectrum of distinguished Duke alums Cooper Flagg will sit.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • However, the severity of the storm soon became obvious.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
  • After curing the potatoes, pick through them once more and remove any potatoes with obvious signs of damage.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Other events include the Cambodia Town Parade and Festival in April, June’s Long Beach Pride, and the dazzling holiday tree lighting in early December at Long Beach Terrace Theater.
    Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Upstairs, entertainment opportunities abound with a full bar (including the other Dacor wine dispenser and three fridges), and a private deck with yet another fire pit for front-row views of El Dorado Hill’s most dazzling sunsets.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Frascati, a town in the region, is renowned for its award-winning white wines, especially the prestigious DOC and DOCG Superior bottles.
    Fulvio De Bonis, Travel + Leisure, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Another possibility is that King Charles could remove his brother's role as a knight of the prestigious Order of the Garter, per The Times.
    Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Luminous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luminous. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.

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