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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective radiant differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of radiant are bright, brilliant, luminous, and lustrous. While all these words mean "shining or glowing with light," radiant stresses the emission or seeming emission of rays of light.

In what contexts can bright take the place of radiant?

The words bright and radiant can be used in similar contexts, but bright implies emitting or reflecting a high degree of light.

When is it sensible to use brilliant instead of radiant?

Although the words brilliant and radiant have much in common, brilliant implies intense often sparkling brightness.

When can luminous be used instead of radiant?

While in some cases nearly identical to radiant, luminous implies emission of steady, suffused, glowing light by reflection or in surrounding darkness.

When would lustrous be a good substitute for radiant?

The meanings of lustrous and radiant largely overlap; however, lustrous stresses an even, rich light from a surface that reflects brightly without glittering.

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 radiant The Birds, however, is uniquely of its era, with a radiant Tippi Hedren staring down an army of furious birds that have turned on mankind. Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Oct. 2025 Kimberly Hébert Gregory’s legacy is one of talent, resilience, and a radiant spirit that lit up screens and hearts alike. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 6 Oct. 2025 Unlike most meteor showers, where the most active time is the early hours of the morning, the Draconids' radiant point is expected to be the time just after darkness falls. Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025 Meteors will appear to come from the shower's point of origin, or radiant, near Orion. Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 5 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for radiant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for radiant
Adjective
  • Their observations revealed an ULIRG hidden just behind the bright quasar, invisible to traditional optical telescopes.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 12 Oct. 2025
  • The bright pink and green exterior of the secluded river lodge perfectly matched her and her fiancé's wedding colors.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • By late September, the aspen groves in and around the city turn luminous gold, making hikes at Mount Falcon, Red Rocks Park, or along the Cherry Creek Trail feel downright cinematic.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 10 Oct. 2025
  • With signature aesthetics and luminous sound quality, Edelweiss pianos have emerged as iconic centerpieces in today’s most distinguished interiors.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The light from the heat lamp makes a glowing red line on the curved side of the phone.
    Hazlitt, Hazlitt, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Her dress burns like the end of a glowing cast iron.
    Bryan West, Nashville Tennessean, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The best shining example of something that was influenced by us is the British version of The Office.
    Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 12 Sep. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • During a dazzling, Cy Young Award-caliber rookie season last year, Imanaga exceeded all expectations.
    The Athletic MLB Staff, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Advertisement With apt timing, manner, and physicality, DiCaprio translates Bob’s foolishness into a dazzling comedic show.
    Robert Daniels, Time, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Place your pot in a sunny spot to overwinter.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 64.
    Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • That was followed by a shiny-happy coda, a significant time jump, and then the launch of a brand-new case involving a plot to assassinate the governor of California and/or POTUS.
    Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 10 Oct. 2025
  • And hey, most shiny Pokémon are pretty elusive.
    Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Their home is decorated with friendly pumpkins and paper bats, adding to the cheerful atmosphere.
    Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 10 Oct. 2025
  • His cheerful demeanor has returned, and the family is adjusting to life with EpiPens tucked in every bag.
    Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Radiant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/radiant. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on radiant

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