Definition of lustrousnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective lustrous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of lustrous are bright, brilliant, luminous, and radiant. While all these words mean "shining or glowing with light," lustrous stresses an even, rich light from a surface that reflects brightly without glittering.

When might bright be a better fit than lustrous?

The words bright and lustrous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bright implies emitting or reflecting a high degree of light.

When would brilliant be a good substitute for lustrous?

While the synonyms brilliant and lustrous are close in meaning, brilliant implies intense often sparkling brightness.

When is luminous a more appropriate choice than lustrous?

The synonyms luminous and lustrous are sometimes interchangeable, but luminous implies emission of steady, suffused, glowing light by reflection or in surrounding darkness.

When could radiant be used to replace lustrous?

The words radiant and lustrous can be used in similar contexts, but 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 lustrous For many, the lustrous vehicles of past decades qualify as old masters. Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2026 The lustrous foliage resists deer browsing. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 27 May 2026 While making skin smooth and dewy, body oils leave behind a lustrous glow wherever applied—and per De. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 27 May 2026 There’s an understated lavishness; no celebrity interior designers have been let loose and rooms have a lustrous palette of pinks, yellows and blues. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for lustrous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lustrous
Adjective
  • The observations seem to nail down the theory that clusters of hot, massive, luminous stars in young galaxies in the early universe played a dominant role in ionizing the universe's neutral gas.
    Keith Cooper, Space.com, 24 June 2026
  • Makeup artist Tracey Levy utilized Beauty Pie products for the actress’ luminous visage.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Even polished staples are getting warm-weather refresh, with Bermuda shorts and sporty track pants stepping in as versatile alternatives to more traditional styles.
    Amanda Le, InStyle, 28 June 2026
  • Nothing about the place feels polished.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 June 2026
Adjective
  • Listing soon, while the numbers are still dazzling, could be strategic.
    Ashley Capoot,Kate Rooney, CNBC, 26 June 2026
  • Pop these strips on dry teeth while doing skincare or your makeup, and then brace yourself for a dazzling white outcome.
    Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Upon entering, guests are treated to an entry foyer with a glistening floor of Brazilian cherry offset by a thin maple inlay.
    James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 21 June 2026
  • The streets lead to a pale-sand public beach with a fishing pier, a charming park, and glistening views of the delicate and pristine Gulf Islands.
    Valerie Fraser Luesse, Southern Living, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • Whatever political direction Democrats plan to take their party in two years at their National Convention to elect a presidential nominee, Denver offers a shining example of what a city looks like when governance goes right for many decades, led by heart and hard work.
    The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 5 May 2026
  • So naturally in a state that treats basketball like a religion and the sport’s biggest stars like royalty, nobody casts a bigger shadow in this community now than the slender 6-foot-6, 196-pound, 19-year-old freshman who changed Final Four weekend with one brilliant shining moment Sunday afternoon.
    Michael Marot, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The moving-room intro In classic Jackass movie tradition, Best and Last opens with an elaborate, glossy introduction that coincides with the opening credits.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 26 June 2026
  • Its glossy fabric and breezy silhouette work for countless occasions — plus, its luxe vibe dresses up outfits without a thought.
    Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Its prebiotics give skin a glowing, youthful-looking complexion, while hyaluronic acid and watermelon extract deliver a burst of hydration to revive dry, dull skin.
    Melony Forcier, PEOPLE, 27 June 2026
  • Barr’s less-than-glowing assessment of Blanche’s qualifications reads like a grudging employee review that recommends the lowest possible raise.
    Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • Perched on the edge of a rocky plateau above the village, its sleek, ultra-modern rooms open onto balconies with views of the rooftops below and the Matterhorn beyond.
    Alexandra Emanuelli, Travel + Leisure, 28 June 2026
  • Here, this guest elevates the billowy style with kitten heels, a simple tee, a flannel tied around the waist, sleek sunnies, and an oversized bag.
    Amanda Le, InStyle, 28 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Lustrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lustrous. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

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