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 The ornate dress hit just above the ankle, revealing a pair of metallic gold pumps with a lustrous finish. Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 5 July 2026 The design house has collaborated with esteemed names ranging from Zaha Hadid to Verner Panton and is best known for its lustrous silver tabletop pieces. Angela Tafoya, Architectural Digest, 23 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for lustrous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lustrous
Adjective
  • Start with Deneb, one of the most luminous stars known, then follow the line downward through the cross.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • But despite brownstones, diners, skyscrapers and bridges, this city is no recognizable metropolis — plus, it’s all bathed in a luminous purple glow.
    Pat Saperstein, Variety, 3 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Summering in the Hamptons calls for an even more laidback approach, while always looking polished and put together.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Made to look like a stylish romper when the shirt is tucked in, this two-piece set is relaxed and laid-back but still polished and put-together.
    Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 8 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Before the weekend, Sony had initially been projecting a much less dazzling start of $195 million domestic and $465 million global that would have still put the film among the top 10 all-time debuts.
    Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 3 Aug. 2026
  • But what began as another dazzling night in the orbit of Hollywood’s elite was about to take a nightmarish turn—one that would send shock waves through the entertainment industry, through Los Angeles, and beyond.
    Peter Rowe, Air Mail, 1 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Styled by Leslie Fremar, the actress wore a glistening silver dress made entirely of shredded metallic fringing that dangled around her body.
    Meg Walters, InStyle, 31 July 2026
  • The suite next door had a full kitchen with glistening white-and-burgundy countertops, door frames set in raw marble, and a dining table sourced from a Paris flea market.
    Maya Kachroo-Levine, Travel + Leisure, 30 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
  • This is a classic game reimagined, with glossy resin tiles housed in a calfskin case that’s almost too beautiful to tuck away in your bag.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 8 Aug. 2026
  • With dark glossy leaves and showy white flowers, peace lilies are a traditional houseplant and make a good housewarming or sympathy gift.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 6 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Below, shop nine incredible beauty products straight from her shelf and prepare to get healthy, smooth, and absolutely glowing skin.
    Olivia Cefalu, InStyle, 9 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Adjective
  • And celebrities have proved that with a sleek designer style that effortlessly enhances summer and early fall outfits.
    Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Step into the sleek slip-on shoes before everyone else and shop more backless loafers below.
    Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 7 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Lustrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lustrous. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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