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
Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 30 Jan. 2026
Cabernet Sauvignon, however, is where Lake County truly shines.
—Liz Thach, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
The micro pixie cut shines on straight to wavy hair and anyone who wants low bulk but high impact.
—Jennifer Hussein, InStyle, 29 Jan. 2026
However, as this song suggests, that era shines in the public memory for a reason.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 29 Jan. 2026
By night, Abyss—the evening restaurant right off the lobby—shines, serving French fare infused with Caribbean flavors and one of the best wine lists on the island.
—Lauren Harano, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Jan. 2026
Altair, the brightest star in the constellation Aquila, shines on the opposite side of our galaxy's glowing band, toward the left of Fathi's image.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 28 Jan. 2026
Where the frame shines further is in its distinct headboard possibilities.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 26 Jan. 2026
In addition, the researchers observed that the object shines brightly in X-rays and emits strong radio waves.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 23 Jan. 2026
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
The road is narrow and winding, but the Civic Si’s chassis tuning shines, letting the car dance eagerly between corners.
—Michael Harley, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
This series shines by showing Black life in an unfiltered way.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 30 Jan. 2026
Cabernet Sauvignon, however, is where Lake County truly shines.
—Liz Thach, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
The micro pixie cut shines on straight to wavy hair and anyone who wants low bulk but high impact.
—Jennifer Hussein, InStyle, 29 Jan. 2026
However, as this song suggests, that era shines in the public memory for a reason.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 29 Jan. 2026
By night, Abyss—the evening restaurant right off the lobby—shines, serving French fare infused with Caribbean flavors and one of the best wine lists on the island.
—Lauren Harano, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Jan. 2026
Altair, the brightest star in the constellation Aquila, shines on the opposite side of our galaxy's glowing band, toward the left of Fathi's image.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 28 Jan. 2026
Where the frame shines further is in its distinct headboard possibilities.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 26 Jan. 2026
In addition, the researchers observed that the object shines brightly in X-rays and emits strong radio waves.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 23 Jan. 2026
Noun
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
The road is narrow and winding, but the Civic Si’s chassis tuning shines, letting the car dance eagerly between corners.
—Michael Harley, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shines
Verb
-
The video shared on Instagram shows vehicles parked on the Margaret McDermott Bridge as the countdown at Reunion Tower glows in the background.—
Timia Cobb
Breaking News Reporter,
Dallas Morning News,
29 Jan. 2026
-
To complete the warm golden hues, the automatic movement is topped with a 22-karat gold rotor, which glows through the caseback.—
Carol Besler,
Forbes.com,
20 Jan. 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
-
So much grunt routes through a trick all-wheel-drive system that actually uses a two-speed gearbox ahead of the engine between the front wheels, in addition to a more traditional eight-speed dual-clutch transaxle routing power to the rears.—
Michael Teo Van Runkle,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Our mother figures and friends can serve as the best sources of inspiration for beauty tips and tricks, thanks to many years of trial and error.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
While technically hosted in Santa Clara at Levi's Stadium, the energy of this massive global sporting event radiates throughout the entire Bay Area, making San Francisco the central hub for festivities, parties, and fan experiences.—
Noel Burgess,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
-
At the center of it all, Yerin Ha radiates in a shimmering empire waist gown, silver gloves, and an embellished mask.—
Madeline Hirsch,
InStyle,
19 Jan. 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
-
Release: All three episodes available on premiere day Where to watch: Netflix Stars: Mia McKenna-Bruce, Helena Bonham Carter, Martin Freeman A practical joke leads to a mysterious death at a 1925 country-house party in this Agatha Christie adaptation written by Broadchurch creator Chris Chibnall.—
James Grebey,
Vulture,
29 Dec. 2025
-
At a lavish country house party, a practical joke appears to have gone horribly, murderously wrong.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
4 Nov. 2025
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
-
As its name suggests, the silky formula brightens and smooths my intense dark circles with ease.—
Kyra Surgent,
InStyle,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Red light supports collagen production and smooths fine lines; blue light targets acne-causing bacteria; green and yellow modes address dark spots and uneven tone; while purple and cyan modes help soothe redness for a balanced, refreshed complexion.—
William Jones
January 29,
Miami Herald,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shines.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shines. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
