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 This is why many pregnant women notice a particularly thick and lustrous mane. Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 16 June 2026 The style is made with a metallic napa leather upper and a leather sole in a lustrous metallic gold. Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 5 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for lustrous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lustrous
Adjective
  • The capri-adjacent shorts were cut in midweight washed viscose with a textured handfeel and luminous sheen, and are finished with side cargo pockets and dual back pockets.
    Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 20 July 2026
  • So although there are fewer meteors an hour during this shower, the luminous nature of the ones that do fall makes up for it.
    Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 20 July 2026
Adjective
  • If your itinerary includes sightseeing, hikes, or long walking days, these Baleaf pants are the perfect balance between sporty and polished.
    Aashna Gheewalla, PEOPLE, 25 July 2026
  • He’s known for a collaborative leadership style, has been a frequent presence at the design studio, and has delivered polished presentations at Apple’s secretive annual off-site meeting of its top 100 leaders.
    Sebastian Herrera, Fortune, 25 July 2026
Adjective
  • Katy Perry dons a dazzling tie as part of her ensemble while performing in Malta on July 22.
    People Staff, PEOPLE, 25 July 2026
  • Its dazzling design, inside and out, reflected a fresh blend of European and American luxury.
    Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
Adjective
  • Take your time admiring the pristine yachts on the glistening blue water before directing your attention to the posh promenades of Calle Ribera and Muelle Ribera.
    Jennifer Fernández Solano, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
  • Granted, the front foyer has glistening hardwood flooring, an open stairway, and wide seven-inch baseboard trim combined with crown molding to add a touch of elegance.
    James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2026
Adjective
  • At a time of so much partisanship in Congress, especially related to health care, breakthrough legislation is a shining example of how commonsense policies that support patient care and innovation can achieve broad support.
    Josh Makower, STAT, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Those memories will remain some of the most shining and unforgettable moments of my life.
    Jeff Benjamin, Forbes.com, 12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Her tattoos and brunette bangs hint at a bohemian persona, but her glossy-looking album covers and easygoing interview responses aren’t very edgy.
    Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 23 July 2026
  • Soaking tub, outdoor shower, patio, self check-in Instead of defaulting to the usual beachy whites, this one-bedroom apartment embraces shades of green—from olive walls to glossy teal tile—for a fresh take on island living.
    Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 23 July 2026
Adjective
  • Everyone looks glowing and glamorous, despite sticking generally to a dutiful antiquities theme.
    Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
  • Kubrick’s film is more thematically than overtly connected to the Odyssey; the most obvious analogue being HAL 9000, whose single glowing red camera eye evokes the Cyclops Polyphemus.
    Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 18 July 2026
Adjective
  • The sleek and oversized design accommodates petite decor like bud vases and personal care items alike without making the countertop feel cluttered.
    Nina Derwin, Architectural Digest, 24 July 2026
  • The vacuum’s lines are streamlined, with subtle, chamfered edges, and the base station features a sleek, square silhouette, frosted glass surfaces, and lighting strips to prevent it from being just another bulky home appliance.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 24 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Lustrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lustrous. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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