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 formulas leave skin looking polished, refined and incredibly healthy, creating the kind of luminous finish that feels more like skincare than traditional body care.
    Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • To speak an intention was to limit the luminous sensation of possibility.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • The skirt’s front slit detail looks polished, while allowing for easy movement and extra breathability.
    Melony Forcier, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
  • Go for a pair in neutral colors or polished finishes—they'll have the same vibe without feeling so over-the-top.
    René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • First, look out for the dazzling trio of stars that form the famous Summer Triangle asterism.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 2 July 2026
  • Her dazzling performances brought home gold for the stars and stripes, all while capturing the hearts of fans worldwide.
    Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 30 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
  • 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
  • This pair features round toes, convenient heel tabs, and glossy patent-leather uppers.
    Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 3 July 2026
  • His brow is porcelain-smooth and suffused with light, his locks glossy and curled, his nose straight and regular.
    Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • The trailer opens with a montage of a glowing Lily (Lively) walking through Boston.
    Alyssa Rotunno, InStyle, 4 July 2026
  • Its light is rather that of a glowing molten metal than that of a burning furnace.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • The sleek outfit borrowed many of the elements that Shields has relied on for years.
    Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
  • This rehearsal dinner look may offer a preview of the glamour still to come, but Gomez's sleek bun has already earned its place among the weekend's standout beauty moments.
    Marci Robin, Allure, 3 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Lustrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lustrous. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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