shining 1 of 2

adjective

ˈshī-niŋ How to pronounce shining (audio)
Definition of shiningnext
as in glowing
giving off or reflecting much light the shining moon formed a nice backdrop for our outdoor concert

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

shining

2 of 2

verb

present participle of shine
1
as in beaming
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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in polishing
to make smooth or glossy usually by repeatedly applying surface pressure the salesman shined his shoes every morning before leaving the house

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 shining
Adjective
Eloise's shining moment comes in Quinn's To Sir Phillip, With Love, and follows her love story with Sir Phillip Crane—yes, that Phillip, who married his late brother's true love Marina Thompson. — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 31 Jan. 2026 Not far away are the Pleiades, a beautiful shining star cluster that resembles a tiny Big Dipper. — Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 28 Dec. 2025
Verb
With Murphy’s medical situation shining a light on strokes, Connecticut medical experts weighed in on what to look for and what to do if someone is experiencing the symptoms. — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 3 Nov. 2026 Without that, America can no longer claim to be the shining beacon on the hill, inspiring democracy the world over. — David Baldacci, Vanity Fair, 3 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shining
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shining
  1. glowing
  2. beaming
  3. polishing
  4. luminous
  5. gleaming
  6. rubbing
  7. dazzling
  8. radiating
Adjective
  • This electric fireplace offers a glowing bed of faux embers that adds to its realism.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026
  • This design decision allows the shoe’s tech to stand out, giving it an almost glowing effect.
    — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of glowing
Verb
  • Murray could be seen beaming and clapping as his son enjoyed his moment in the spotlight, per a YouTube video shared by journalist Gethin Coolbaugh.
    — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 4 Nov. 2026
  • My home school, Georgetown University, does that, too, often with the prosperous elderly donor beaming in the front row.
    — David Super, Baltimore Sun, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of beaming
Verb
  • Nowadays, machinery like edge polishers make calibration, grinding, shaping and beveling possible with great ease and high-pressure waterjet cutting and polishing systems used for complex contours and sensitive materials.
    — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Small updates like polishing or new hardware can elevate your kitchen’s look with minimal effort.
    — Farima Ferguson, The Spruce, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of polishing
Adjective
  • Carl Andre, Dan Flavin, and the minimalists learned from Brancusi’s serial imagery and the anonymity of his luminous, streamlined forms.
    — Michael Brenson, Vogue, 1 Nov. 2026
  • The simple-but-elegant cut was made even more glamorous by the luminous nature of the fabric, which glittered underneath the lights on Friday’s red carpet.
    — Erin Wisti, Footwear News, 31 Oct. 2026
Definition of luminous
Verb
  • Spread out across expansive work stations that resemble gleaming kitchen cubicles, chefs spend their days whipping up meals from soup to nuts, a laboratory of sorts to create appetizing and easy dinners to make at home.
    — Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Spotting the lights less than a mile from his home, Wittlin turned onto a side street and pulled his gleaming red Pontiac Firebird over.
    — Graham Hurley, CNN Money, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of gleaming
Verb
  • The simplest answer to how to wash fruits and veggies is to start with clean hands, then rinse produce under cool running water while rubbing it for about 20 seconds.
    — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Small amounts of surface rust or rust that can be removed simply by rubbing a paper towel over the surface, is okay.
    — Makena Gera, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of rubbing
Adjective
  • That's 12 times brighter than its nearest planetary competitor, Jupiter and a full 25 times more dazzling than Sirius, the brightest of all stars.
    — Joe Rao, Space.com, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Amal Clooney has always been a fan of a statement look, never missing an opportunity to wear archival couture in Cannes, punchy prints in the Med, or dazzling sequins on the red carpet.
    — María Munsuri, Vogue, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of dazzling
Verb
  • The City of Angels star proved otherwise by uploading several photos of herself in her younger years, followed by a video of herself radiating from the inside and on the outside today.
    — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Peak was certainly radiating, thanks to glossy eyelid makeup, rose blush and highlight on her cheeks, and sparkling pink lips.
    — Arushi Jacob, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of radiating

Browse Nearby Words

shininess
shining
shinned
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shining. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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