1
as in star
a ball-shaped gaseous celestial body that shines by its own light
awed by the vast number of luminaries in the night sky
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in celebrity
a person who is widely known and usually much talked about
luminaries from the worlds of sports, entertainment, and politics were at the gala
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in luminous
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of luminary
Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 2 Mar. 2026
PinkPantheress isn’t the only pop luminary who Liu has been boosting with her routines.
—Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 25 Feb. 2026
Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 11 Nov. 2025
Among the notable new names set to walk the halls of the ennui-addled series are Natasha Lyonne, Eli Roth, YouTube icon Trisha Paytas, True Blood star Sam Trammell, and Till luminary Danielle Deadwyler.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for luminary
Noun
What stood out most, however, was just how emotional the event was, particularly considering the many recent passings of some of our most beloved film and TV luminaries.
—Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 2 Mar. 2026
PinkPantheress isn’t the only pop luminary who Liu has been boosting with her routines.
—Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
A lot of neighborhoods have luminary traditions that involve lining DIY paper lanterns along the streets and pathways.
—Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 11 Nov. 2025
Among the notable new names set to walk the halls of the ennui-addled series are Natasha Lyonne, Eli Roth, YouTube icon Trisha Paytas, True Blood star Sam Trammell, and Till luminary Danielle Deadwyler.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for luminary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for luminary
Noun
-
Once inside, the Euphoria star was photographed with a slim gold band on her wedding finger.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
11 Mar. 2026
-
If that role is on the bench, be a star there.—
Cody Thorn,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Leigh Wambsganss, the Republican candidate and a Mercy Culture ally, had become a minor MAGA celebrity, owing to her role in facilitating a far-right takeover of the area’s school boards.—
Rachel Monroe,
New Yorker,
15 Mar. 2026
-
The backstory Built in 1933 as the first hotel in Ibiza, this neo-colonial grande dame was the beating heart of Ibiza Town, a meeting spot for locals, hippies, and celebrities.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Premium long-staple 600-thread-count Egyptian cotton makes for a bedding set that’s ultra-smooth, silky, and with a luminous sheen.—
Shoko Wanger,
Architectural Digest,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Exit on the other side into Manhattan, moving along wide and luminous avenues.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The European Space Agency telescope is designed to make a 3D map of the universe by looking at billions of galaxies up to 10 billion light years away across one third of the sky.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 Mar. 2026
-
Its rampant star formation was triggered in part by the gravitational influence exerted by the nearby galaxy NGC 5195, the glowing core of which can be seen shining at one end of the Whirlpool Galaxy's great spiral structure.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Over the years, my sisters and I have struggled through clashing personalities, intense disagreements and wonky power dynamics.—
Harriette Cole,
Mercury News,
14 Mar. 2026
-
The books also reflect elements of Grace's personality.—
Loureen Ayyoub,
CBS News,
14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The top-line stereo system is packaged with a half-dozen options, including head-up display and various illuminated badges and other accoutrements.—
James Raia,
Mercury News,
10 Mar. 2026
-
From out of nowhere, bands of light form an illuminated rectangle around the car, light emanating from some unknown source suspended in the air.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Those who did spend a day in the sun were what appeared to be the average crowds the city sees outside Spring Break.—
Devoun Cetoute,
Miami Herald,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
There were so many dignitaries, political and religious leaders, entertainers and Jackson allies at his funeral.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
11 Mar. 2026
-
During perhaps the most rousing eulogy of all on Saturday, Jackson’s second-oldest son, Jonathan, referenced his father’s journey from then to now, while a who’s-who of faith leaders, heads of state, dignitaries, power brokers and celebrities mourned before him.—
Darcel Rockett,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Luminary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luminary. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.
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