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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
  • But what do these chemical differences mean in terms of getting a glowing complexion?
    Alexis Benveniste, Allure, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Most come from a family friend ready to give a glowing review.
    Nicholas Wyman, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The thicker frame is reminiscent of an earlier era filled with outstanding fashion.
    Christopher Murray, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • This achievement reflects the group’s continued leadership in international health services and its ability to offer outstanding patient experiences.
    William Jones, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Immediate Action Required: The urgency is unmistakable.
    Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • His speech contained an unmistakable warning for Bolsonaro.
    Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 7 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
  • Nestled along the storied banks of the River Thames, 15 Cheyne Walk stands as one of Chelsea’s most distinguished homes, a residence steeped in history, grandeur, and a 300-year-old legacy.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Michel Koopman is the CEO & Founder at CxO Coaching, with a distinguished career as a senior operator and entrepreneur.
    Michel Koopman, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In its wildest moments, Coogler’s film seems like a collision of Lovecraft Country with True Blood, though more obvious comparisons will likely be drawn to From Dusk Till Dawn.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Entertainment Fans of the show on social media seem to be missing a lot of crucial character development, and there’s an obvious explanation why.
    Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Also strutting her stuff is the dazzling Jayme Lawson as Pearline, a local woman unleashed by the excitement of Club Juke.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The 76-minute episode is essentially a tight feature film, starring the dazzling ensemble of Cristin Milioti, Jesse Plemons, Jimmi Simpson, Michaela Coel, Billy Magnussen, and more.
    Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Hamm's 2025 hosting gig will move him closer to joining SNL's iconic and prestigious Five-Timers Club — an elusive group of people who have hosted the show at least five times.
    Nicholas Rice, People.com, 12 Apr. 2025
  • Some are cultural or narrative-driven, like the idea that education doesn’t pay well or isn’t a prestigious career.
    J.M. Banks, Kansas City Star, 12 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Luminous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luminous. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

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