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
  • This white alabaster, while far from a traditional menorah, offers the sort of sophistication that suits other polished holiday decorations perfectly.
    Rachel Fletcher, Architectural Digest, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Clark’s delivery was confident, polished and emotionally resonant — drawing clear comparisons to early-2000s country stars while asserting her place as a rising voice in the genre.
    Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 11 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Just as Victor appeared to break open, Jackson leaped into the air, stretched his right arm skyward and pulled down a dazzling one-handed catch at the 3-yard line.
    The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • No longer limited to skulking around on a bar cart, metallic finishes like aluminum and brass are in the midst of a dazzling comeback.
    Kathryn O’Shea-Evans, Robb Report, 9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Udo Kier is the perverted master of ceremonies in this three-ring circus of deviancy from director Paul Morrissey, which takes Frankenstein’s romantic necrophilia and distills it to its glistening, taboo essence.
    Katie Rife, Vulture, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Delicate purple, white, or lavender-pink flowers are embedded among tiny, glistening leaves.
    Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 8 Nov. 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
  • Makeup artist Nina Park provided Sink with bold brows and a soft glossy lip to complete the look.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 7 Nov. 2025
  • The open-concept space includes a galley kitchen with a breakfast bar and glossy stone floors.
    Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • According to Moore, stainless steel requires regular cleaning to keep a glowing appearance.
    Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Tours usually stop at Ilha do Farol, Prainhas do Pontal, Fenda de Nossa Senhora, and the Gruta Azul, a glowing sea cave reachable only by boat.
    Aaron Randolph, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 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 15 Nov. 2025.

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