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
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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
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Recent Examples of shines
Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 13 Mar. 2026
Nettspend’s music shines in its experimental corners, where the chaos briefly resolves into something more intentional.
—Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 10 Mar. 2026
As Sleep Awareness Week (March 8–14) shines a spotlight on the importance of rest, many families are realizing just how hard quality sleep can be to come by.
—ABC News, 10 Mar. 2026
The weekly column takes you behind the scenes and shines a spotlight on unique stories.
—Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
The screen shines at an impressive 516 nits in our tests, beating Apple’s own 500-nit claim, and refreshes at a standard 60Hz.
—Joe Osborne, PC Magazine, 10 Mar. 2026
Porto, Portugal Another top European city that shines in spring for fewer crowds and lower costs is Porto, Portugal.
—Miami Herald, 9 Mar. 2026
This is where Benchmade Modern really shines.
—Noah Kaufman, Architectural Digest, 7 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
Josh Miller, Southern Living, 11 Mar. 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
Forchhammer tells the story of the collective where the individual never shines.
—Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 13 Mar. 2026
Nettspend’s music shines in its experimental corners, where the chaos briefly resolves into something more intentional.
—Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 10 Mar. 2026
As Sleep Awareness Week (March 8–14) shines a spotlight on the importance of rest, many families are realizing just how hard quality sleep can be to come by.
—ABC News, 10 Mar. 2026
The weekly column takes you behind the scenes and shines a spotlight on unique stories.
—Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
The screen shines at an impressive 516 nits in our tests, beating Apple’s own 500-nit claim, and refreshes at a standard 60Hz.
—Joe Osborne, PC Magazine, 10 Mar. 2026
Porto, Portugal Another top European city that shines in spring for fewer crowds and lower costs is Porto, Portugal.
—Miami Herald, 9 Mar. 2026
This is where Benchmade Modern really shines.
—Noah Kaufman, Architectural Digest, 7 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
Noun
Summer produce shines in this simple salad that will start the meal off on a bright note.
—Josh Miller, Southern Living, 11 Mar. 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
-
What rubs us the wrong way is the suggestion that this proposal is purely about sustainability.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Mar. 2026
-
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
Noun
-
This under-$40 Amazon pick totally does the trick, and even comes with a little matching pouch.—
Annie Blackman,
InStyle,
13 Mar. 2026
-
The previous reader confirmed that the engine can be remote started with this trick using the key-fob.—
Hartford Courant,
Hartford Courant,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Godoy radiates effortless charisma, a kind of uncynical openness that feels both childlike and magnetic.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Mar. 2026
-
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
Verb
-
The process polishes the gentle bonhomie that promises to transform even the smallest silences into celebrations.—
Archie Forde,
Pitchfork,
6 Mar. 2026
-
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
Noun
-
One of Hughes’ neighbors, Ty Talley, said the toilet paper prank was part of tradition in which North Hall students play practical jokes on teachers during prom season.—
Charlotte Kramon,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Mar. 2026
-
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
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
-
Plus, blurs pores, smooths texture, and keeps your makeup intact for 12 hours.—
Reece Andavolgyi,
InStyle,
9 Mar. 2026
-
As connection-building Venus activates your 3rd House of Communication, your inventive approach smooths discussions.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
6 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shines.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shines. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
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