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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective radiant differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of radiant are bright, brilliant, luminous, and lustrous. While all these words mean "shining or glowing with light," radiant stresses the emission or seeming emission of rays of light.

In what contexts can bright take the place of radiant?

The words bright and radiant can be used in similar contexts, but bright implies emitting or reflecting a high degree of light.

When is it sensible to use brilliant instead of radiant?

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

When can luminous be used instead of radiant?

While in some cases nearly identical to radiant, luminous implies emission of steady, suffused, glowing light by reflection or in surrounding darkness.

When would lustrous be a good substitute for radiant?

The meanings of lustrous and radiant largely overlap; however, lustrous stresses an even, rich light from a surface that reflects brightly without glittering.

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 radiant Marissa was a radiant, compassionate young woman with a future full of promise. Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 7 July 2025 And then came her Essence Festival slay: a half-up ponytail, oceanic eyeshadow hues, and a bold purple lip that reminded the crowd exactly what Black beauty looks like—fearless, radiant, and unapologetically bold. Larry Stansbury, Essence, 2 July 2025 Expect faster appointments, cleaner technique, and noticeably more comfortable results—leaving skin smooth, radiant, and ready for anything. Nia Bowers, USA Today, 23 June 2025 To adopt it, consider these key elements for a Guava Girl summer that’s natural, radiant, and breezy: Dewey skin: Highly moisturized, the skin has a shimmering look that calls to mind humid, tropical days and nights. Jeanne Ballion, Vogue, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for radiant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for radiant
Adjective
  • Known for its bright colors and vivid patterns, the store specializes in women’s clothes fit for a resort or a vacation to a tropical island.
    Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025
  • Today, however, Kendall was spotted doing a little shopping at the Chloé store with some friends, and her choice of a bright red minidress brought back one of the biggest trends of summer 2023: Tomato girl summer.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • Pearls are formed by living organisms, when an irritant enters a mollusc, typically an oyster, it is coated with layers of nacre, this is the same luminous substance that is on the inside of the shell, more commonly known as mother of pearl.
    Felicity Carter, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
  • No white cast, no excessive rubbing—just luminous skin that’s shielded by SPF45 protection.
    Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • Trump, though, gave Duffy a glowing vote of confidence when announcing his new appointment.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 11 July 2025
  • The moon after dark, large and low, brilliant as a star, its light reflecting in our eyes, turning our pupils silver, bright and glowing.
    Ekow Eshun July 11, Literary Hub, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Attendees rode in support of and alongside community member Eva Zamora, who is a shining example of how to live your best life with Parkinson’s disease and takes cycle classes at EōS regularly, a news release stated.
    News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Her next shining moment comes when two young sisters enter the hospital.
    Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Music City is gearing up to celebrate Independence Day with another dazzling fireworks display and concert.
    Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 4 July 2025
  • The Fourth of July, also referred to as Independence Day, has been celebrated across the United States since 1776 — and nearly 250 years later, big cities, small towns, counties and states alike continue to cap off the night with dazzling displays of fireworks.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • In a special episode of Tilley's podcast Scrubbing In, the couple discussed the details of their engagement, which began last week on a sunny Mallorca beach with a surprising dress code.
    Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 11 July 2025
  • There were two more medical incidents in the crowd, but the Spaniard kept up the sunny disposition when play restarted to take the opener with a 100 per cent success rates on first serve points.
    Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • The President of the United States was in attendance, Robbie Williams sang the official song of the tournament and various flags and shiny inflatables covered the pitch for what felt like an eternity.
    Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
  • Objects and plants under the tree can be lightly speckled with the shiny drops of honeydew or heavily covered with sugary substance and appear as if covered in shellac.
    Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • More Getty Images Just hours earlier, Korda had posted a cheerful story showing four oversized suitcases and her golf travel bag lined up at the airport.
    Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
  • Despite his serious voice, Gamboa highlighted González’s cheerful character.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Radiant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/radiant. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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