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
  • Try delicate floral bloom over a luminous chrome base for a manicure that’s straight out of a fairy tale.
    Amanda Le, InStyle, 23 July 2026
  • Kernell’s luminous third drama is a quietly devastating portrait of love, resilience, and the enduring strength of Sámi women.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 21 July 2026
Adjective
  • Everything online feels flat, polished, generated, or sponsored, so consumers are overwhelmed and increasingly skeptical.
    Samuel Axon, ArsTechnica, 1 Aug. 2026
  • These pants look more polished than your average pull-on style, thanks to the front button and pleats at the waistband.
    Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 1 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The comeback saga rings ever so true for those in the movie theater industry, and for those millions of moviegoers who love to watch dazzling images on the huge silver screens of theaters.
    Adam Aron, Variety, 29 July 2026
  • But then, those mechanics—along with loads of elaborately fake-looking special effects, which now, rather than being dazzling, are just business as usual—are the hallmarks of all Marvel movies.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 28 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
  • For a glossy, sparkly finish, brush the edges of the pastry with egg wash and sprinkle all over with Turbinado sugar before baking.
    Torie Cox, Southern Living, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The exterior material has a glossy, highly reflective, mirrorlike patent leather sheen.
    Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 31 July 2026
Adjective
  • Applying makeup on mature skin is actually all about utilizing products a way that enhances your natural skin for a more glowing, youthful look.
    Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 27 July 2026
  • Everyone looks glowing and glamorous, despite sticking generally to a dutiful antiquities theme.
    Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
Adjective
  • Think soothing sand-and-cream hues, sleek furnishings and oversized windows that make the sea feel like part of the décor.
    Stephanie Orma, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The singer and actress, 33, received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, while looking like a true rockstar in a grungy gown with tousled hair complemented by sleek and smokey makeup that exclusively used Maybelline New York products.
    Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Lustrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lustrous. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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