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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 result is glowing, radiant skin with no downtime. Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 If the pristine sea, radiant sunshine and pubs full of British revelers in Ball’s photographs are anything to go by, Benidorm is set to remain a holiday destination that people either love, or love to hate. Joshua Korber Hoffman, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2025 As an artist who has crafted the most radiant and glamorous looks for industry starlets, Sir John has certainly perfected his methods. Cierra Black, Essence, 16 Apr. 2025 One of the trademarks of healthy skin is a radiant complexion—and the best sunscreens for glowing skin are game-changers for achieving luminosity while protecting your skin from dangerous UV rays. Annie Blackman, Allure, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for radiant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for radiant
Adjective
  • By all accounts, Woodson is a really bright football player.
    Chad Graff, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025
  • This recipe skips the mayo and ops for a tangy vinaigrette to keep it light and bright.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But the overall vibe is luminous and joyful — almost celebratory.
    Ernesto Lechner, Rolling Stone, 26 Apr. 2025
  • The silky formula glides on, leaving skin luminous and smooth.
    Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • From dinner-friendly trousers to flowy tank dresses, these items are sweaty traveler-approved and have earned glowing reviews for keeping wearers dry even on balmy days.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 2025
  • The vehicle has a long, low-slung exterior with a sculpted hood, a glowing 3D-effect grille, and sharp LED headlights that give it a high-tech, aggressive face.
    Josh Max, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Her next shining moment comes when two young sisters enter the hospital.
    Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • There were definitely moments that were less shining than others for me.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Come for breakfast or a light lunch and stay for their dazzling cheese selection—over 150 varieties served with the kind of attention to detail that makes even a simple sandwich feel sublime.
    Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The movie, a dazzling retelling of a mythic boy-god, has grossed an astonishing US$2 billion worldwide, outperforming many Hollywood releases.
    Shaoyu Yuan, The Conversation, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Just like the name suggests, this moisture-wicking dress was designed to keep you cool on sunny, blisteringly hot days.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Your skin is exposed to UV rays both on cold, cloudy days and sunny ones.
    Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH, Verywell Health, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Tucked inside that shiny, white, crystal-ball-looking sphere isn’t magic.
    Jennifer Jolly, USA Today, 2 May 2025
  • His shoes were bright burgundy red with a shiny toe.
    Essence, Essence, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • Use these cheerful, summery spoons to slather jam onto scones or Nutella into crepes.
    Oset Babür-Winter, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 May 2025
  • Only cheerful younger son Einstein (Evan Ellison), an eccentric, prophetically named genius who has decided to become a champion pole-vaulter, seems happy to see him.
    Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Radiant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/radiant. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

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