1
as in glows
to emit rays of light
the sun appears to shine particularly brightly in summer because that is when it's closest to the Earth
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in rubs
to make smooth or glossy usually by repeatedly applying surface pressure
the salesman shined his shoes every morning before leaving the house
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in trick
a playful or mischievous act intended as a joke
the shines they pulled at summer camp have become embellished with each retelling
Synonyms & Similar 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 shines
Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 5 Mar. 2026
As a composer and band leader, Wilkins shines with his soulful delivery, keen attention to detail and his willingness to stretch out in search of creative transcendence.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
The sun and light glimmers and shines off this material and the entire interior looks, and feels, slick like a black lacquer has been applied throughout.
—Joel Feder, The Drive, 5 Mar. 2026
This maximalist shines with gold chrome accents and emeralds.
—Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 5 Mar. 2026
The service Hospitality truly shines at the Gunter.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Mar. 2026
Creative confidence enjoys a tailwind as loving Venus hones your 5th House of Inspiration, so your talent shines without forcing the moment.
—Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026
That’s also where the Agravic TT shines.
—Ally Jaksen, Outside, 4 Mar. 2026
Wicker is timeless and now shines in unexpected shapes and spaces like powder rooms and sculptural lighting.
—Gabi De La Rosa, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 2026
Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 20 Feb. 2026
That’s where the storytelling shines.
—Christopher Claxton, Billboard, 14 Jan. 2026
From Mexico to India While essential in Italian cooking, tomato paste shines in Middle Eastern, Mexican, Indian, and American comfort foods.
—Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 7 Jan. 2026
All draws her down; all shines, gleams, reflects; all things opaque become iridescent, then translucent.
—Jorie Graham, New Yorker, 30 Nov. 2025
Local produce shines in traditional Chilean dishes such as cabrito al jugo a la cazuela (a goat stew); fresh ceviche; and pebre (a spicy salsa of herbs, onions, and tomatoes).
—Emma Fritz, Travel + Leisure, 29 Nov. 2025
This Halloween espresso martini shines when paired with rich, indulgent treats that complement its coffee and orange flavors.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Oct. 2025
Here's where the Swift Go 16 shines.
—Mark Coppock, PC Magazine, 21 Sep. 2025
But on Elizabeth Street, a ray of light shines.
—Katherine Fung, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
This classic loafer shines with its chic metallic details and timeless supple black leather.
—Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 5 Mar. 2026
As a composer and band leader, Wilkins shines with his soulful delivery, keen attention to detail and his willingness to stretch out in search of creative transcendence.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
The sun and light glimmers and shines off this material and the entire interior looks, and feels, slick like a black lacquer has been applied throughout.
—Joel Feder, The Drive, 5 Mar. 2026
This maximalist shines with gold chrome accents and emeralds.
—Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 5 Mar. 2026
The service Hospitality truly shines at the Gunter.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Mar. 2026
Creative confidence enjoys a tailwind as loving Venus hones your 5th House of Inspiration, so your talent shines without forcing the moment.
—Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026
That’s also where the Agravic TT shines.
—Ally Jaksen, Outside, 4 Mar. 2026
Wicker is timeless and now shines in unexpected shapes and spaces like powder rooms and sculptural lighting.
—Gabi De La Rosa, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 2026
Noun
There’s perhaps no better time to visit Miami than the first half of the year, as the Sunshine State transitions from its mild winter to sultry summer and the area’s natural beauty shines.
—Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 20 Feb. 2026
That’s where the storytelling shines.
—Christopher Claxton, Billboard, 14 Jan. 2026
From Mexico to India While essential in Italian cooking, tomato paste shines in Middle Eastern, Mexican, Indian, and American comfort foods.
—Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 7 Jan. 2026
All draws her down; all shines, gleams, reflects; all things opaque become iridescent, then translucent.
—Jorie Graham, New Yorker, 30 Nov. 2025
Local produce shines in traditional Chilean dishes such as cabrito al jugo a la cazuela (a goat stew); fresh ceviche; and pebre (a spicy salsa of herbs, onions, and tomatoes).
—Emma Fritz, Travel + Leisure, 29 Nov. 2025
This Halloween espresso martini shines when paired with rich, indulgent treats that complement its coffee and orange flavors.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Oct. 2025
Here's where the Swift Go 16 shines.
—Mark Coppock, PC Magazine, 21 Sep. 2025
But on Elizabeth Street, a ray of light shines.
—Katherine Fung, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shines
Verb
-
Soft light glows over a dining room that seats roughly 40.—
Stephanie Breijo,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Green fluorescent protein, first isolated from a jellyfish, glows bright green when under a blue light.—
Marc Zimmer,
The Conversation,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
This might happen because antler rubs strip bark away, revealing lignin-rich inner wood that reemits the longer wavelengths in a way bark does not.—
Anirban Mukhopadhyay,
Scientific American,
21 Jan. 2026
-
Unfortunately, Martin’s blunt and borderline rude bedside manner rubs the quirky, needy locals the wrong way, including schoolteacher Louisa Gavin (Abigail Spencer).—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The trick is whether Anthropic can hold onto its soul in the process.—
Reed Albergotti,
semafor.com,
6 Mar. 2026
-
It's riddled with cheffy tricks but not in alienating way.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Red thread radiates from Stalin’s eyes like light from a malevolent sun, while other faces disappear behind horizontal bars of stitching, imprisoned by embroidery.—
Anel Rakhimzhanova,
Artforum,
1 Mar. 2026
-
The inner shift radiates outward.—
Kaitlyn Gomez,
USA Today,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
In another, Kelly’s character polishes the massive rock on a seat cushion, then lies back to admire it.—
Rachel Garrahan,
Vogue,
22 Jan. 2026
-
Designed in tandem with the brand’s existing DIY gel system, Olive & June’s Builder Gel polishes (retailing for $12 each) are thicker in texture than traditional gel polish, creating a strong, supportive barrier to help grow your natural nails.—
Jacqueline Kilikita,
Refinery29,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
As trade envoy, Andrew became known for practical jokes and off-color remarks, which British diplomats had to tolerate because of his titles.—
Helen Lewis,
The Atlantic,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Everything about Groundhog Day sounds like a practical joke.—
AJ Willingham,
AJC.com,
2 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Like Beckham’s dress, the 100-percent silk dress softly gleams in the light.—
Izzy Baskette,
PEOPLE,
12 Dec. 2025
-
Despite a couple of funky skips, the album is fueled by the hunger of an artist who really wants the pop life again, perking up electro-scuzz and arena rock with new wave that gleams like glitter.—
Pitchfork,
Pitchfork,
4 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
An exfoliating serum that smooths the skin while also hydrating, its 10% concentration of lactic acid gently removes the dull outer layer of skin.—
Annie Blackman,
Allure,
28 Feb. 2026
-
Olay Super Serum Body Wash for Normal Skin Olay Super Serum Body Wash is formulated with ingredients such as vitamin E, collagen peptide, vitamin C, niacinamide, and BHA, which combine to create a powerful formula that hydrates, firms, brightens, evens, and smooths the skin.—
Claire West,
Parents,
27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shines.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shines. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
