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 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 The material is handmade from a 70-30 blend of the finest Mongolian cashmere and lustrous Italian silk. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 13 Sep. 2025 The lustrous golden oil these fish were packed in was also delicious, having been infused with the same savory flavor tasters detected in the anchovies themselves. Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Sep. 2025 Sateen is known for having a polished appearance because of its lustrous sheen and wrinkle-resistant material. Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lustrous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lustrous
Adjective
  • Beyond Blues introduces non-indigo dye options and versatile customization possibilities, while Airsoft features a fresh palette of luminous mid and light indigo tones, complemented by soft greys and blacks—perfect for spring-summer moods and relaxed silhouettes.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 17 Oct. 2025
  • They’re populated with wooden puppets representing Loro Piana artisans, adorned with a rich palette of luminous gold, deep brown, dark green and touches of Art Deco as an ode to New York City.
    David Moin, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Shulman was equally polished in a cord blazer over a white shirt styled with suede boots.
    Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Grid Stitch Quilt Give your bed a polished upgrade with this quilt from Joanna Gaines’ Target brand.
    Jacqueline Tempera, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 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
  • While Alberta Ferretti creative director Lorenzo Serafini's runway design featured glistening embellishments and more dramatic draping, the shoppable cape dress does not include an open back at all.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Ye Fan for The New York Times Caroline Palmer was telling the story of how she got hired at Vogue in 2001 when a waitress at Tierney’s Tavern plunked two pints of beer and a pile of glistening onion rings on the table between us.
    New York Times, New York Times, 17 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
  • Spoon it over each bun and watch the glossy ribbons melt into the warm pastry.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Oct. 2025
  • In addition to the racy outfit, Jenner also debuted a bold makeup look featuring heavy lashes, a smokey eye, bright pink blush and glossy lipstick lined with thick lip liner.
    Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2025
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
  • Recently at the All’s Fair premiere in Los Angeles, the actress wore a glittery black-and-silver turtleneck top with short sleeves along with a sleek maxi skirt.
    Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Incorporating removable furniture, the design also adds to the vessel’s sleek profile.
    Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 22 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lustrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lustrous. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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