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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 The result is glowing, radiant skin with no downtime. Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 If the pristine sea, radiant sunshine and pubs full of British revelers in Ball’s photographs are anything to go by, Benidorm is set to remain a holiday destination that people either love, or love to hate. Joshua Korber Hoffman, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2025 As an artist who has crafted the most radiant and glamorous looks for industry starlets, Sir John has certainly perfected his methods. Cierra Black, Essence, 16 Apr. 2025 One of the trademarks of healthy skin is a radiant complexion—and the best sunscreens for glowing skin are game-changers for achieving luminosity while protecting your skin from dangerous UV rays. Annie Blackman, Allure, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for radiant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for radiant
Adjective
  • By all accounts, Woodson is a really bright football player.
    Chad Graff, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025
  • This recipe skips the mayo and ops for a tangy vinaigrette to keep it light and bright.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The northern lights are a luminous glow seen around the magnetic poles of the northern and southern hemispheres, according to the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2025
  • The River Walk at night is always luminous, but this parade makes an evening on the river extra magical.
    Jill Robbins, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2025
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
  • 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
  • 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
  • The weather forecast for April 18 calls for highs in the 90s in Texas, a sunny day in New York ... and snow in Hawaii?
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The 502 hp car set the record on a sunny day at the track, with the air temperature at 54 degrees Fahrenheit and an asphalt temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
    Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Unlike Spears, however, Lopez wore her shiny catsuit in a soft pink tone with mauve panels and a ruched belt, finishing off the look with a metallic silver clutch, pink plastic sunglasses, and a slick-back ponytail.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 19 Apr. 2025
  • There’s the misery pit of a first New York apartment in the ’90s, when Manhattan felt less shiny and shut off by wealth.
    Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • After congratulating the pregnant women, the husband and wife turn their attention to a cheerful Aisha.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The relaxed fit keeps it comfortable for all-day wear, and the sunny shade adds a cheerful touch to otherwise neutral travel basics.
    Becca Blond, Travel + Leisure, 1 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Radiant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/radiant. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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