Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective lustrous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of lustrous are bright, brilliant, luminous, and radiant. While all these words mean "shining or glowing with light," lustrous stresses an even, rich light from a surface that reflects brightly without glittering.

When might bright be a better fit than lustrous?

The words bright and lustrous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bright implies emitting or reflecting a high degree of light.

When would brilliant be a good substitute for lustrous?

While the synonyms brilliant and lustrous are close in meaning, brilliant implies intense often sparkling brightness.

When is luminous a more appropriate choice than lustrous?

The synonyms luminous and lustrous are sometimes interchangeable, but luminous implies emission of steady, suffused, glowing light by reflection or in surrounding darkness.

When could radiant be used to replace lustrous?

The words radiant and lustrous can be used in similar contexts, but 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 lustrous The lustrous attire brought sparkle to a carpet that was also full of colors, from pale pink Dior (on Anya Taylor-Joy); to navy Carolina Herrera (on Kate Hudson); to red Dolce & Gabbana (on Dakota Fanning). The Styles Desk, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2025 After leaving it on for two to three minutes, rinse it off, and voila—balanced color and a lustrous sheen. Jenny Berg, Allure, 31 Dec. 2024 Fashion-forward, contemporary brand Ganni has leaned into lustrous finishes this season with some seriously chic results. Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 23 Dec. 2024 The lucky few who have sampled the spirit speak of an ethereal balance of spice and sweet; supernatural swirls of maple syrup and port wine, which slowly evolve into lustrous tendrils of cinnamon and clove. Brad Japhe, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for lustrous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lustrous
Adjective
  • Key Ingredients: Shea butter, avocado oil, orange peel wax Finish: Available in luminous or natural finishes Shades: 12 How to apply: Ilia keeps matters simple with its multi-stick: swipe, blend, and go.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2025
  • But in Ravel’s solo works, which across decades of composition contain both the evocative broad strokes of impressionism and the luminous specificity of pointillism, his approach can have mixed results.
    Joshua Barone, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Tongue-and-groove construction makes for easy installation on site and a polished look when finished.
    Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Their joggers, tops, and shorts offer a relaxed fit while maintaining a polished look—ideal for everything from yoga to post-workout coffee runs.
    Julie Loffredi, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The show spotlights Markle whipping up treats for her friends in a dazzling kitchen, setting up picnics in a verdant garden, and evening coordinating a gorgeous afternoon tea for Mindy Kaling.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 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
  • 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
  • Her makeup included a bold smokey eye and a glossy lip.
    WWD Staff, WWD, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Think glossy lips, rosy cheeks, and minimal foundation so that your freckles show through.
    Erika W. Smith, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2025
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
  • So go ahead—invest in a Noguchi lamp, a sleek wooden table, earthy vases and some wabi-sabi pottery.
    Elise Taylor, Vogue, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Munn kept her hair classic with her dark tresses pulled into a sleek low ponytail.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Too many businesses derailed because they weren’t focused on their core strengths, trying to go down paths that made no sense just to impress investors or chase a shiny new thing.
    Damon Stafford, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
  • The matte alligator Venere bag with a concave top was hand-painted to achieve a shiny, shimmering effect, while the top-handle Perla, a squarish bucket-like bag, came in rich hues, including dark brown and ruby red.
    Stephen Garner, WWD, 3 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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