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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective luminous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of luminous are bright, brilliant, lustrous, and radiant. While all these words mean "shining or glowing with light," luminous implies emission of steady, suffused, glowing light by reflection or in surrounding darkness.

When is it sensible to use bright instead of luminous?

In some situations, the words bright and luminous are roughly equivalent. However, bright implies emitting or reflecting a high degree of light.

When is brilliant a more appropriate choice than luminous?

Although the words brilliant and luminous have much in common, brilliant implies intense often sparkling brightness.

When can lustrous be used instead of luminous?

While the synonyms lustrous and luminous are close in meaning, lustrous stresses an even, rich light from a surface that reflects brightly without glittering.

In what contexts can radiant take the place of luminous?

The words radiant and luminous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, radiant stresses the emission or seeming emission of rays of light.

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 luminous The descriptions are diverse: luminous balls rolling along the ground or floating above it, aurora-like clouds in the sky, streaks shooting through the air, all in a range of color. Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 19 Feb. 2025 The look in question entailed allover cheek and eyelid blush; lip liner and oil; brown eyeliner and a luminous complexion using Tarte products. James Manso, WWD, 18 Feb. 2025 The luminous cores of distant, ancient galaxies, quasars expel jets of energetic matter. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 13 Feb. 2025 This translates into better digestion, more energy, and a more luminous skin. Sofía Esquivel, Glamour, 11 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for luminous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for luminous
Adjective
  • Getty Images Getty Images Just as glowing as Anderson herself is the actor's gratitude for this moment in her career.
    Marci Robin, Allure, 24 Feb. 2025
  • Also 6-foot-1, Turner did not come along with as glowing credentials.
    Chuck Murr, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Proceeds from the sale will go to partially pre-pay outstanding bank loans, according to ABS-CBN, which has shrunk in size and been losing money since Congress didn't renew its broadcasting franchise in 2020.
    Ian Sayson, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • That show earned her Emmy noms for lead actress in a drama series and outstanding writing for a drama series — in addition to BAFTA and Peabody wins.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The entire capsule collection features quirky touches evocative of Johnson’s idiosyncratic and unmistakable approach to fashion.
    Julia Teti, WWD, 24 Feb. 2025
  • And so the passion that the Japanese fans have for the game of baseball (was unmistakable).
    Jayson Stark, The Athletic, 22 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Sure, the Currys should get another stab at it on Monday, when the Warriors make their annual trek to Charlotte and Steph Curry’s yearly shining moment in uptown takes place.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Ben Franklin, with his range of knowledge from political science to publishing to ocean currents, is another shining example.
    Joe McKendrick, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Behold then the inspiration extravaganza that is the Kips Bay Decorator Show House Palm Beach, where over 30 rooms have been transformed through March 16 into set pieces by 23 distinguished designers and architects.
    Greg Carannante, Sun Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Curio’s approach to waste fuel recycling was supported by Per Peterson, distinguished professor in the Department of Nuclear Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, who shared his thoughts with me in both emails and an interview.
    Jim Vinoski, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • This year organizers are acknowledging openly what’s been obvious for a while.
    Rob Salkowitz, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Then there are the injuries and other conditions that emergency physicians treat regularly that are often preventable — but may not be obvious to the rest of us.
    Katia Hetter, CNN, 5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The detonation sent chunks of debris raining down over the area, creating a dazzling artificial meteor shower for people in The Bahamas and Florida's Space Coast, among other locales.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Top 5 Women: Ariana Grande and Schiaparelli Win Big Five dazzling actresses and zero surprises topped the list of women seen at the Oscars 2025.
    Laurie Brookins, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • She’s never gone to the prestigious awards show to perform or attend.
    Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Her most recent book was poised to receive a prestigious award last year from a Native American and Indigenous studies association.
    Teresa Watanabe, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Luminous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luminous. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on luminous

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