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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 Scientists observed an icy core enveloped by a coma, the luminous halo of gas and dust that forms when solar heat vaporizes volatile materials. Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025 In that luminous classic, a six-year-old girl, after watching the 1931 film, believes the monster to be utterly, terrifyingly real. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2025 Post application, my complexion is luminous, plumped and hydrated. Ellie Davis, Vogue, 28 Oct. 2025 The resulting velvet nails will be a luminous and elegant manicure, capable of elevating any look without requiring extra length. Laura Solla, Glamour, 25 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for luminous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for luminous
Adjective
  • All that is seen of the Monster is their glowing red stare, and this relates to how Pisces are always looking at others from the sidelines with their own perceptions.
    Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
  • In a surprising discovery, our team has detected glowing nickel vapor in the gas surrounding the incoming interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS at an extraordinary distance from the sun, where temperatures remain far too cold for metals to normally vaporize.
    Darryl Seligman, Space.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Each year, the New York Public Library honors several distinguished individuals for outstanding achievements in their respective fields of arts, culture, letters and scholarship by naming them Library Lions.
    Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 4 Nov. 2025
  • King Charles hosted the event, which recognizes individuals for their outstanding contributions to the community.
    Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Kerrygold Salted Butter Sticks The creamy texture of Kerrygold Butter is unmistakable—and a delicious addition to a holiday meal or dessert.
    Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2025
  • Two cars named Above and Beyond with subtle but unmistakable nautical references—including the port and starboard colors on a boat’s lights, along with design motifs of several famous superyachts.
    Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 30 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
  • The evening convenes business and government leaders, distinguished military representatives and dignitaries to honor the military and veteran community, which is one of Harry's close causes.
    Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
  • The two-time Ivy League graduate and distinguished attorney has already penned multiple books that topped The New York Times bestsellers list.
    Essence, Essence, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • One obvious reason for my interest in the movie, then, was that Walter Matthau reminded me, a little bit, of my father.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Nov. 2025
  • There are good pieces in place, but replacing or re-signing Bregman seems to be an obvious offseason priority, and another impact starter would certainly help.
    Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The ceremony featured a dazzling light and music show outside the museum, with massive screens displaying Egypt's ancient monuments.
    Ayat Al-Tawy, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2025
  • To see nature’s most dazzling show, there’s perhaps no better place to grab a front-row seat than the Yukon.
    Mae Hamilton, Travel + Leisure, 1 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • In 2025, the site received a prestigious award from ACTA Gist, recognized as the best archaeological site in Italy.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2025
  • Tennessee is already a prestigious job in the SEC.
    Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Luminous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luminous. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on luminous

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