as in gleam
brightness created by light reflected from a surface
polished the metal until it had an even sheen
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to shimmer
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
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 sheen
Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 27 May 2026
Polyamide applications on black denim are used to enhance the surface with texture, pattern and sheen.
—Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 26 May 2026
Cath Virginia, The Verge, 11 Apr. 2026
The pigmentation of this formula is quite strong and leaves behind a glow that isn’t overly sparkly or sheen.
—Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sheen
Noun
The rainbow sheen of petroleum was plainly visible in nearby surface water.
—Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 27 May 2026
Polyamide applications on black denim are used to enhance the surface with texture, pattern and sheen.
—Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 26 May 2026
Verb
There’s a painterly look to the image, rather than the typical slop-style sickly sheen, but the AI origins are still unmistakable.
—Cath Virginia, The Verge, 11 Apr. 2026
The pigmentation of this formula is quite strong and leaves behind a glow that isn’t overly sparkly or sheen.
—Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sheen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sheen
Noun
-
From up here, San Sebastián gleams to the east, the sea stretches endlessly forward, and silence settles like an ancient cloak.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
Yorkshire Pecorino gleams pale, smooth, and yogurty.—
Olivia Potts,
Longreads,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon oil over medium-high until shimmering, about 1 minute.—
Emily Weinstein,
Twin Cities,
4 June 2026
-
Lopez’s dress was crafted with a black, long-sleeve top and a high neckline covered in shimmering sequins.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
Upgrade to watch the full report Survival is the mother of invention, under the orange glow of computer processor fans and subtle overhead lighting.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
30 May 2026
-
Namely, glycerin, a humectant that attracts moisture from the air and locks it into skin, and coconut oil, a fatty acid-rich skin softener that bestows instant glow.—
Sophie Wirt,
InStyle,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
Geena Davis glitters in a red gown at the Cannes Film Festival closing ceremony in France on May 23.—
People Staff,
PEOPLE,
28 May 2026
-
Young women dressed in glittering gowns pose beneath bright stage lights while music echoes through the theater.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
26 May 2026
Noun
-
Ings attacks every scene with a conspiratorial glint, the kind of presence who makes the camera feel lucky to have caught him.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
29 May 2026
-
In his work exist iconic signs of beloved local establishments — like the Playpen — the blinding glint reflecting off downtown’s skyline, telephone poles regarded as totems.—
Julissa James,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Mercury will complete the line-up, glistening close to the horizon, but will prove a greater challenge to spot in the glow of the setting sun.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
27 May 2026
-
These technologies get utterly confused by the transition from a matte brick wall to a shiny metallic bumper, or from dull tissue to glistening bodily fluids.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
The two were close in age and grew up together under the glare of sitcom fame.—
Danielle Minnetian,
FOXNews.com,
31 May 2026
-
Shah’s closest ally (and the person most willing to call Shah on his lies to himself and others) is his cousin Zulfi, a gigantic character who Khan energizes with fast-talking charm, sarcastic asides, and an assessing glare that can cut through anyone’s defenses.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
To his left is a black car with a bulky, rounded frame, glimmering in the deluge.—
Taran Dugal,
New Yorker,
23 May 2026
-
The Eta Aquariids will glimmer slightly away from Venus, so keep your eyes peeled!—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
4 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sheen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sheen. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
