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 The vehicle up for sale is finished in a lustrous coat of Midnight Blue over a blue and white leather interior with a dark blue soft-top. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 15 May 2025 Black denim takes on a satin effect with lustrous finishes. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 27 May 2025 In a lustrous champagne hue, the material offered an additional shine to Davis’ ensemble. Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 22 May 2025 The lustrous weirdness of Strauss’s music survives the experiment intact; at times, it is heightened. Alex Ross, New Yorker, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for lustrous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lustrous
Adjective
  • Formulated with a potent blend of ceramides and panthenol, this moisturizer offers a rich, creamy texture that melts into the skin, delivering immediate moisture and a luminous glow.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 26 May 2025
  • As a result, these devices can be highly reactive to bright sources of light, such as street lamps or the luminous glow of a full moon, which can obstruct your ability to see clearly in certain directions.
    Matt Morris, Space.com, 25 May 2025
Adjective
  • Understated enough for the office but refined enough for a Parisian sidewalk café, the polished leather and cushioned sole deliver comfort and sophistication in equal parts.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 6 June 2025
  • The final cut of this documentary feels perfectly polished, but according to those who made the film, the process was a little messy.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • This bona fide natural wonder supports a dazzling array of wildlife, including nearly 500 bird species and north of 130,000 elephants, the largest population of any country in Africa.
    Alexandra Kirkman, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
  • Thanks to the intricate texture of the lens, the lights provide a warm, starburst-like pattern that illuminates the surrounding area and looks dazzling to the eye.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 5 June 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
  • Straight, even, smooth, and glossy hair denotes strength, harmony, and evenness of character, hearty affections, a clear head, and superior talents.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 June 2025
  • There’s much talk about unicorns in the dating field in Song’s script, and her film could be called the same — a glossy, good-looking drama veined with humor, introspection and questioning intelligence, driven as much by insightful writing as star charisma.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • Eric Murphy, 35, proposed to Jasmin Lawrence, 29, last November in a small event with high production values: myriad candles, romantic lighting, flower petals covering the floor and a glowing orange heart as a backdrop.
    Christie D’Zurilla, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
  • Gleeson says Krasinski and Carell's support — and their glowing reports of their own experiences working on The Office — made accepting the role that much more affirming.
    Erin Clack, People.com, 25 May 2025
Adjective
  • In the kitchens, custom custom cabinetry, sleek stone countertops and high-end appliances are a chef’s (private or otherwise) dream, while spa-like features turn the bathrooms into tranquil retreats.
    Emma Kershaw, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • The bag features a crystal bracelet, top handle, and a sleek drawstring chain that cinches the shape.
    Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • Be boringly consistent while everyone else chases shiny new tactics.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • In the two hours that preceded that, fans relished surprises in the form of a drumline, a salsa breakdown, Shakira playing a shiny Flying V guitar, a giant wolf with lasers in its eyes and numerous costume changes.
    Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lustrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lustrous. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.

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