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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 Modern perks include radiant heated marble flooring. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 4 Sep. 2025 The post opened with a picture of Justin — dressed casually in a blue zip-up hoodie, low-rise jeans, a white T-shirt and red shorts — and the radiant bride. Michael Nied, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025 Nestled on Jamaica’s radiant northwest coast, the Tryall Club has 90 distinctive villas, each designed to be your ideal vacation home. Rana Good, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025 Ryan Whitney will always be remembered as a radiant and empathetic boy. Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for radiant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for radiant
Adjective
  • This week, a crescent moon will join, shining close to Jupiter before featuring in a rare close conjunction with Venus and bright star Regulus.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Even a half block away, the air smells sweet and bright, like seared shellfish, sharp vinegar, and the blistery green of sizzling herbs.
    Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The activity, visible across several provinces, was captured in photographs and videos posted on social media showing luminous trails arcing across the night sky.
    Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Baker’s synaesthesiac grasp of the tawny’s song, in which its voice can ruffle the fur of night and in which silence is luminous, may be reflected in the neural structure of the owl’s brain.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Al Campanis, then a Brooklyn scout, saw him as an 18-year-old and filed a glowing scouting report.
    Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The bookshelf opens to reveal a glowing path.
    Charlie Fink, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The best shining example of something that was influenced by us is the British version of The Office.
    Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 12 Sep. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • These autumn hues make the already dramatic Wyoming destination even more dazzling.
    Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Elaborate dinner shows deliver dazzling performances alongside multi-course meals.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Maintenance To Prevent Brown Spots Again, maintaining a picture-perfect lawn can be laborious,​​ especially in the sunny South, where the temperatures can fluctuate.
    Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 84.
    Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • As the day went on, the foundation settled into a softer, velvety finish that looked smooth and natural without crossing into shiny territory.
    Lily Wohlner, Allure, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Simple decorations like shiny mirrors and sophisticated dining chairs can also have a big impact on your space.
    Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • For cheerful blooms that will bloom in the fall, then add color to your garden again the next summer, plant coreopsis, a hardy perennial that comes in a range of vibrant hues.
    Heather Bien, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Becky is perky and cheerful to the point of being obnoxious, which sometimes irks Robin.
    Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Radiant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/radiant. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on radiant

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