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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 In addition to Stewart, stars like Bethenny Frankel, Helen Mirren, and Eva Longoria have all used the luminous moisturizer, and PEOPLE Shopping editors have relied on it for years, too. Nicol Natale, People.com, 13 Apr. 2025 Bottom line: The present is extremely uninspiring, but the future is … well, maybe not bright, but at least mildly luminous. Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025 Another tip for looking luminous on (mostly) makeup-free days: a touch of Victoria Beckham Beauty highlighter around the eyes. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 7 Apr. 2025 With minimal grooming and likely no foundation, his complexion remained luminous and plump—achieving in three steps what most of us chase in ten. Larry Stansbury, Essence, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for luminous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for luminous
Adjective
  • Fine needles stimulate collagen and elastin for a glowing, even complexion, ideal for addressing hyperpigmentation before a trip.
    Rana Good, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • The townsfolk run for cover as the glowing red eyes and bone-chilling howls signal the return of the terrifying creature.
    Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The thicker frame is reminiscent of an earlier era filled with outstanding fashion.
    Christopher Murray, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Bob Kendrick and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum have been outstanding in this regard.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • She’s been wildly influential without ever being less than unmistakable; no matter what sonic, thematic or characteristic elements other artists may borrow from her, none of them would ever risk being taken for Lana herself.
    Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 26 Apr. 2025
  • The song, a collaboration between The Pogues frontman MacGowan and the unmistakable O’Connor, reenters the Official Physical Singles chart at No. 18.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Her next shining moment comes when two young sisters enter the hospital.
    Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • There were definitely moments that were less shining than others for me.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Over time, inhaling these harmful chemicals can contribute to progressive lung problems like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to Sanjay Sethi, MD, SUNY distinguished professor and chief of pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine at the University at Buffalo.
    Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Palmer was just one of several celebrities and distinguished guests who attended the Fashion Trust Awards on Tuesday.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Hague lamented the rush to reach a deal in the absence of any obvious pressure on Russia but with an intense focus on obtaining for the U.S. the mineral wealth of Ukraine.
    Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
  • With such a depleted draft stash, the Bucks don't have any obvious levers to pull to help bolster their supporting cast alongside Antetokounmpo and Lillard.
    Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Come for breakfast or a light lunch and stay for their dazzling cheese selection—over 150 varieties served with the kind of attention to detail that makes even a simple sandwich feel sublime.
    Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The movie, a dazzling retelling of a mythic boy-god, has grossed an astonishing US$2 billion worldwide, outperforming many Hollywood releases.
    Shaoyu Yuan, The Conversation, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • International students – including at prestigious American universities – have been targeted amid the Trump administration’s larger immigration crackdown.
    Caroll Alvarado, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2025
  • President Trump has long celebrated his familial ties to MIT, a prestigious college that has spared no criticism of the administration's policies in recent weeks.
    Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Luminous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luminous. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

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