1
as in glowing
giving off or reflecting much light
the luminous moon bathed the snow-covered fields with a pearly glow
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in outstanding
standing above others in rank, importance, or achievement
some of the most luminous writers in the nation's history have graced that magazine's pages
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3
as in unmistakable
not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation
an author with a simple, luminous prose style that is free of affectation and pretention
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as in brightness
the quality or state of having or giving off light
there's a special luminousness to the air over the island that painters and photographers have long sought to capture
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of luminous
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
Adjective
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
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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
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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
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Her thirty-five-year corporate journey has been marked by outstanding achievement and transformative influence.—
Mamie Jones,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
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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
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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
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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
Noun
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On those nights, the moon will be at 40% brightness, which may interfere with viewing, according to the American Meteor Society.—
Janet Loehrke,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
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The lamp has a matte-gold finish, provides optimal brightness, and will look perfect on your work desk.—
Nora Colomer,
FOXNews.com,
17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Her next shining moment comes when two young sisters enter the hospital.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
People.com,
10 Apr. 2025
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There were definitely moments that were less shining than others for me.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Over time, inhaling these harmful chemicals can contribute to progressive lung problems like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to Sanjay Sethi, MD, SUNY distinguished professor and chief of pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine at the University at Buffalo.—
Stephanie Brown,
Verywell Health,
16 Apr. 2025
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Palmer was just one of several celebrities and distinguished guests who attended the Fashion Trust Awards on Tuesday.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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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
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Still, Strider was frustrated for obvious reasons and searching for answers.—
David O'Brien,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2025
Noun
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So, astronomers have come up with a compromise regarding the geometry of the sun's illumination angle on Venus' disk versus its distance from Earth to determine the time of Venus' greatest brilliancy.—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
4 Apr. 2025
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Family circles will have wrapped themselves in the holy pleasures of the great occasion, and everywhere the grand old holiday will have been introduced with all the majesty and brilliancy which clings around the hallowed name of Christmas.—
Michael Barnes,
Austin American-Statesman,
23 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Luminous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luminous. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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