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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 Made by hand so that no rosy base is the same, each talc-free powder is a unique, marbleized mixture of blush and pearlescent pigments that, when swirled together and swept over cheekbones, leaves you with a flush of dimensional, luminous color—even in the darkest of rooms. Sophia Panych, Allure, 15 May 2025 Still, recent fashion shows have also reaffirmed the look’s staying power with a noticeable uptick in the use of highlighter for luminous finishes on the runway. Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 9 May 2025 But for dryer skin types, this step can be skipped so the Glow Mist can easily lock everything in while keeping the skin luminous, fresh and protected throughout the day. Jessica Ourisman, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025 What finally elevated my perspective was a luminous Book that perfectly alchemized my thoughts, beliefs, with human nature. Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for luminous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for luminous
Adjective
  • Eric Murphy, 35, proposed to Jasmin Lawrence, 29, last November in a small event with high production values: myriad candles, romantic lighting, flower petals covering the floor and a glowing orange heart as a backdrop.
    Christie D’Zurilla, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
  • Gleeson says Krasinski and Carell's support — and their glowing reports of their own experiences working on The Office — made accepting the role that much more affirming.
    Erin Clack, People.com, 25 May 2025
Adjective
  • The Chicago Bar Association’s award for outstanding lawyer is named in her honor.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2025
  • The show has won two Emmys since: One in 2014 for outstanding interactive program and another in 2015 for outstanding creative achievement in interactive media.
    Jack Dunn, Variety, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • So, while Israel is flying the planes, the United States is sending an unmistakable message that its multi-decade strategic partnership with Israel is formidable in the face of threats from anti-American, anti-Western authoritarian regimes.
    Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
  • An 'unmistakable' long-term trend In practice, investors want to keep their money in the market over decades, and many presidencies.
    Annie Nova, CNBC, 10 June 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
  • It’s been a long time since Florida’s university system was put to such disgrace as the Board of Governors did Tuesday in rejecting the distinguished scholar Santa Ono as the lone finalist for president of the University of Florida.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 June 2025
  • Today, that distinguished tradition continues, with the distillery's current leadership or their cadre of seasoned master tasters personally vetting these casks.
    Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • Lionsgate post-Starz spin-off would be the most obvious choice, without the weight of cable networks on both sides and with a host of still-viable Lionsgate franchises including John Wick, The Hunger Games and Saw.
    Howard Homonoff, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Sending in the National Guard was an obvious military flex, designed to to bait Angelenos while perhaps distracting Americans from Trump’s far greater troubles.
    Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • This bona fide natural wonder supports a dazzling array of wildlife, including nearly 500 bird species and north of 130,000 elephants, the largest population of any country in Africa.
    Alexandra Kirkman, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
  • Thanks to the intricate texture of the lens, the lights provide a warm, starburst-like pattern that illuminates the surrounding area and looks dazzling to the eye.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • Many go on to secure prestigious new projects restoring or reimagining global landmarks.
    Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
  • Chapter One The Political Science major at Warren University was a prestigious murder weapon.
    Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 5 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Luminous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luminous. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

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