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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 Marissa was a radiant, compassionate young woman with a future full of promise. Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 7 July 2025 And then came her Essence Festival slay: a half-up ponytail, oceanic eyeshadow hues, and a bold purple lip that reminded the crowd exactly what Black beauty looks like—fearless, radiant, and unapologetically bold. Larry Stansbury, Essence, 2 July 2025 Expect faster appointments, cleaner technique, and noticeably more comfortable results—leaving skin smooth, radiant, and ready for anything. Nia Bowers, USA Today, 23 June 2025 To adopt it, consider these key elements for a Guava Girl summer that’s natural, radiant, and breezy: Dewey skin: Highly moisturized, the skin has a shimmering look that calls to mind humid, tropical days and nights. Jeanne Ballion, Vogue, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for radiant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for radiant
Adjective
  • Not to mention, the pastry pink shade is perfect for bright, colorful summer outfits.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 8 July 2025
  • Snag them in this classic black color, or choose from 21 other color options, including bold patterns and bright hues.
    Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • No white cast, no excessive rubbing—just luminous skin that’s shielded by SPF45 protection.
    Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 10 July 2025
  • Ali had ceased looking towards the horizon long before the luminous blue of it became a mock memory.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • The incoming and outgoing CEOs both had glowing words for each other on Tuesday.
    Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 18 June 2025
  • Keeping skin soft, smooth, glowing—and protected against UV rays—should be at the top of your summer priority list.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 16 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
  • Music City is gearing up to celebrate Independence Day with another dazzling fireworks display and concert.
    Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 4 July 2025
  • The Fourth of July, also referred to as Independence Day, has been celebrated across the United States since 1776 — and nearly 250 years later, big cities, small towns, counties and states alike continue to cap off the night with dazzling displays of fireworks.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • Chandan Khanna | Afp | Getty Images The Sunshine State isn’t always sunny, of course, especially during hurricane season.
    Scott Cohn, CNBC, 11 July 2025
  • In a special episode of Tilley's podcast Scrubbing In, the couple discussed the details of their engagement, which began last week on a sunny Mallorca beach with a surprising dress code.
    Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • These coddling treatments help get your hair looking frizz-free and shiny with minimal effort.
    Elizabeth Siegel, Allure, 1 July 2025
  • Infused with pomegranate extract sourced from YSL’s very own gardens in Morocco, the nourishing formula softens strands, leaving them extra silky and shiny.
    Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Volunteers from a nonprofit that trains service dogs, Helping Paws Inc., provided a little canine therapy for waiting mourners Friday at the Capitol, working the crowd with cheerful golden retrievers.
    John Hanna, Twin Cities, 28 June 2025
  • Diana wore the cheerful frock on several occasions between 1988 and 1992, often during hospital visits and moments of connection with patients.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 28 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Radiant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/radiant. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on radiant

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