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 But, at closer look, the lustrous, sculptural aspects of Emily’s and Mindy’s dresses compose a perfect harmony. Fawnia Soo Hoo, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2025 To easily identify which bakeries had met the lofty standards of the guild, a lustrous golden kringle was adorned over the door—an exclusive emblem of royal approval—and is still found today throughout the city. Carinne Geil Botta, Vogue, 31 July 2025 These lustrous begonias look even more impressive in a tall urn or planter. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 29 June 2025 Blond wood cabinets, warm brown tiles, and stone floors give the space a lustrous feeling. Marcia Desanctis, Travel + Leisure, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for lustrous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lustrous
Adjective
  • Our centerpiece selection Christy anchors the festival with its daring artistry and gives us the opportunity to honor the luminous Sydney Sweeney.
    Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Whether exploring the Royal Botanic Garden or watching sunset from Mrs Macquarie’s Chair—hand-carved by convicts in 1810—the city feels luminous, expansive, and just a little wild.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • With a yellow gold case framing the timeless depth of a polished Onyx dial, the Geneva Minute Repeater was one of the absolute best drops in Geneva last week.
    Thor Svaboe, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Tongue-and-groove construction makes for easy installation on site and a polished look when finished.
    Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • And the stadium atmosphere was dazzling, even in the drizzle.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 7 Sep. 2025
  • For entomology buffs, the nation of Colombia plays host to the largest number of butterfly species on the planet, with Jaguarundi Travel operating a dedicated tour that showcases a dazzling array of colorful insects.
    Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Outdoor scenes especially are artfully composed, such as a distant view of a bridge with the river flowing under it in the foreground, or the glistening look of a puddle on the street at night.
    Caryn James, HollywoodReporter, 31 Aug. 2025
  • Its mesmerizing turquoise lakes, towering granite pinnacles, and vast, glistening glaciers have earned the park recognition as the crown jewel of Patagonia region, a vast natural frontier which stretches over 1,000 miles from Chile to the tip of Argentina.
    Elizabeth Brownfield, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • Her next shining moment comes when two young sisters enter the hospital.
    Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Despite the glossy subject matter, Winocour neatly sidesteps clichés, instead searching for quiet moments that give the story emotional resonance.
    Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 5 Sep. 2025
  • With a slightly glossy appearance, this is a great blanket for a glam bedroom.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The bookshelf opens to reveal a glowing path.
    Charlie Fink, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The reviews for this twist on classic Chicken Pot Pie are absolutely glowing.
    Phoebe Evans, Southern Living, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The 849 Testarossa—which will be available as a coupe or spider with a retractable top—sports a sleek yet aggressive look in line with the rest of the brand’s current lineup, in particular the F80 and 296.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Kevan Hall launched his career in the 1980s, quickly making his mark with sleek, elegant designs that fused Hollywood glamour with modern sophistication.
    Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lustrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lustrous. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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