as in glowing
giving off or reflecting much light
the shining moon formed a nice backdrop for our outdoor concert
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Joe Vardon, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2026
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
Mark Chediak, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2026
And three players who served as shining examples of the Hurricanes’ focus on success in the trenches were on full display Thursday when they were taken in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shining
Adjective
The Boston Celtics, in second place in the East without Jayson Tatum this year and Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis traded away, are another shining example.
—Joe Vardon, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2026
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
Verb
Batteries are a linchpin for unlocking solar and wind energy’s full potential by soaking up excess green energy and then discharging it when the wind isn’t blowing or the sun isn’t shining.
—Mark Chediak, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2026
And three players who served as shining examples of the Hurricanes’ focus on success in the trenches were on full display Thursday when they were taken in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shining
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shining
Adjective
-
Hot black smoke socked her in the face; the staircase had become a glowing, spastic frenzy.—
Danielle Parker,
CBS News,
21 Apr. 2026
-
According to Moore, stainless steel requires regular cleaning to keep a glowing appearance.—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
19 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
During the toast, the beaming monarch made numerous jokes, charming guests while keeping them laughing.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
29 Apr. 2026
-
There is the Lichtdom, or Cathedral of Light—more than a hundred searchlights beaming columns of light into the sky—creating an elevated sense of ceremony and import.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Various owners have taken the reins over the years, but all were committed to preserving the bar’s old-school character rather than polishing, upgrading, or updating it away.—
Skye Sherman,
Southern Living,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Either way, regularly polishing your countertops will help keep your kitchen looking well-maintained and refreshed.—
Farima Ferguson,
The Spruce,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The mother-daughter duo both wore white ensembles, with Kourtney adding a pop of silver with her coat and Penelope going for luminous gold loafers.—
Diane J. Cho,
PEOPLE,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Their luminous glow, ranging from the classic creamy white to delicate pinks and mysterious blacks, adds a touch of understated luxury to any ensemble.—
Nicole Letts,
Southern Living,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Across the House’s upper two floors, connected by a gleaming wooden spiral staircase, club facilities merge business and pleasure.—
Terry Ward,
Robb Report,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Concurrently, gleaming shopping centers and luxury condos have sprung up everywhere, including on the site of the airport depicted in the 1942 film Casablanca.—
Liza Foreman,
Architectural Digest,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Harvest quinoa by hitting the flower stalks against a hard surface or rubbing them between your hands to separate the seeds from the flower parts or chaff.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
27 Apr. 2026
-
An employee washed hands for less than 10 seconds at the sushi bar, and the inspector wants to see 10-15 seconds of your hands rubbing each other.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Some of the most beautiful nights of my life have been spent under the stars watching a meteor shower, comet or simply a dazzling Milky Way.—
Ernie Cowan,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Pro baseball scouts have taken notice of his dazzling ability, with many in attendance behind home plate with radar guns in hand for each of his starts.—
Jack Murray,
Boston Herald,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
On the ceiling, where the nave and transept intersect, there will be a depiction of the Holy Spirit as a dove with radiating light and flames.—
Victoria Le,
Oc Register,
26 Apr. 2026
-
What emotion is radiating from the walls?—
Avery Newmark,
AJC.com,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shining. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
