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

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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
Yet some people looked straight into the eye of this shit(stain) storm and saw only shining glory, fierce dedication. — James Manso, Allure, 15 Sep. 2026 Profitability is really shining, with big beats on operating income and EPS in the fourth quarter. — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 28 Aug. 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
  • Its bouncy, jelly-like texture sinks instantly into skin, revealing a glowing, soft complexion in the process.
    — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Its reception at the two very different festivals was equally glowing, with special emphasis on lead John Malkovich, who received both a tribute at Telluride, and an award from the competition jury at Venice, the Volpi Cup for Best Actor.
    — Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of glowing
Verb
  • Its terrestrial work included an optical power-beaming demonstration at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The campaign, originally conceived in 2023 to address the impact of internet-beaming megaconstellations like SpaceX's Starlink, has taken on new urgency over the past 12 months.
    — Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of beaming
Verb
  • The Duchess of Edinburgh even got hands-on experience shaping and polishing a quartz gemstone.
    — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Before Bay Area readers start polishing their debate trophies, remember these studies are conversation starters, not final verdicts.
    — James Ward, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of polishing
Adjective
  • Then come the enigmatic Moai of Easter Island and the luminous lagoons of French Polynesia.
    — Guy Bigiaoui, Miami Herald, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Róhe makes an equally compelling case with its luminous, emerald green silk maxi.
    — Sarah Zendejas, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of luminous
Verb
  • Tokyo’s hospitality scene is as diverse as the city itself, a place of dizzying contrasts where ancient temples sit in the shadow of gleaming skyscrapers, and traditional craftsmanship juxtaposes cutting-edge technology.
    — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 30 Sep. 2026
  • My Instagram Discover page is a narcotic carousel of supple leather and gleaming metal.
    — Adam Erace, Fortune, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of gleaming
Verb
  • As far as technique, pressing is gentler on dry skin than rubbing or dragging.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Among other things, Noohu accused showrunner Ed Brubaker of rubbing his back and of making comments about running his hands through Noohu’s hair.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of rubbing
Adjective
  • Unlike destructive anti-satellite weapons, which can permanently damage spacecraft or generate debris, laser dazzling is intended to interfere with a satellite’s sensors without physically destroying it.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Great virtuosi such as violinist Isaac Stern, pianist Van Cliburn, soprano Leontyne Price and hosts of other incredible artists, both American and from abroad, blessed our concert halls with their dazzling artistry.
    — Letters to the Editor, Washington Post, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of dazzling
Verb
  • In photos shared by celebrity hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos on September 19, the British lawyer could be seen radiating in a sunshine yellow sundress during a week-long trip to Malawi, Africa as part of a Clooney Foundation for Justice initiative.
    — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Barbara and Ibby forge a friendship that’s unexpectedly compelling because of the strength of the two actors, radiating an interiority that isn’t on the page.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 19 Sep. 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 3 Oct. 2026.

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