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 Luminous and lustrous, Luminous Blue celebrates indigo in its most expressive form—deep, bright blues that shimmer with energy and emotion. Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 10 Oct. 2025 Aside from providing a chance to see Sherman and Howe’s lustrous images in an immaculate transfer, the disc reminds us what a truly great actress Lupino was. Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 25 Sep. 2025 Extensive equine-coat scoring determined that horses kept on pasture have higher tail moistness, that heavier horses have thicker skin, and that older horses have less-moist skin, even though their hair becomes more lustrous with age. Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025 Testing the Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K Gold Extended Barrel Curling Iron brought us a swell of nostalgia—and also lustrous, long-lasting curls and waves that rivaled tools double the price. Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lustrous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lustrous
Adjective
  • With its luminous foliage, 'Lemon-Lime' Nandina makes a striking accent in shady plantings.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The luminous roll call has Henry Cavill leading a cast that already includes Russell Crowe, Marisa Abela, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Jeremy Irons and Djimon Hounsou, as well as Max Zhang and Drew McIntyre.
    Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The aesthetic is defined by deep red and forest green tartans, warm lighting, elevated accents, and sophisticated dinnerware that evokes classic holiday charm with a polished Americana flair.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 4 Nov. 2025
  • For nearly 30 years, NB Design Group has excelled at crafting polished interiors that reveal a deep understanding of its clients.
    Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 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
  • Filler shots of chauffeurs, champagne and colossal walk-in closets with pristine designer clobber glistening and gleaming from glass shelves centred around trays and trays of priceless jewels assault the viewer’s senses between almost every scene.
    Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Guests can dine at the on-site Beacon Restaurant, stroll the nearby boardwalk, or unwind by the fire pits as the sun seemingly dips into the glistening lake.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 28 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
  • However, safety is the top concern among users in the Reddit thread, with many reporting that their glossy or ultra-smooth floors are incredibly slippery, especially when wet.
    Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2025
  • On Friday night, tennis superstar Serena Williams made a splash at the Princesa De Asturias awards ceremony, clad in a head-to-toe fiery red ensemble featuring glossy pumps.
    Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 25 Oct. 2025
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
  • With its strand of diamonds, the necklace is substantial enough to leave a lasting impression when worn solo with everything from your favorite band tee or a sleek silk blouse.
    Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Shoppers can snag durable sets like the Coolife 3-piece Luggage Set for less than $100, plus sleek carry-ons like the Wrangler 20-inch Carry-On Luggage that had thousands of buys this past month.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lustrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lustrous. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.

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