lustrous

adjective

ˈlə-strəs How to pronounce lustrous (audio)
Definition of lustrousnext
1
as in luminous
giving off or reflecting much light the lustrous finish on the satin bedspread adds to the feeling of luxury

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in polished
having a shiny surface or finish lustrous silver jewelry adorned her neck

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Find it on Amazon This Cake Stand Covered in Crystals Present your dessert like a work of art with this cake stand adorned with sparkling crystal pendants and a lustrous gold finish. —Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 5 Dec. 2024 The six High Gloss finishes are expertly polished to a lustrous shine with a clear top coat. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024 The special hardcover rendition of The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore is handmade in Italy and features a Santa-red, Italian-leather exterior with lustrous golden lettering. —Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Dec. 2024 The gleaming, lustrous centerpieces are sure to spark conversation, which is exactly what the team is hoping for. —Jesse Granger, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lustrous 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lustrous
  1. luminous
  2. polished
  3. dazzling
  4. shining
  5. glossy
  6. glowing
  7. sleek
  8. shiny
Adjective
  • Pair it with a touch of highlighter or luminous moisturizer to enhance the glass skin effect without going all in.
    — Jessica Diner, Vogue, 23 Jan. 2025
  • The future of women’s sports is luminous, and for those willing to harness the power of AI, the possibilities are boundless.
    — Priya Oberoi, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Definition of luminous
Adjective
  • This open-front long-sleeve cardigan is a reliable layering asset for a low-lift polished look.
    — Ali Faccenda, People.com, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Some of those who have previously advanced Trump’s interests in Europe now see Musk as an unfettered, even less polished version of the president; an agitator whose style and ambition has come to mirror Trump’s.
    — Rob Picheta, CNN, 23 Jan. 2025
Definition of polished
Adjective
  • Additional dining outlets include an outdoor pool bar, and the 4,000-square-foot Lobby Bar and Café, which shows off the dazzling restoration of sweeping windows and the building’s 18th Street façade.
    — Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 29 Jan. 2025
  • From the dazzling fireworks of Liuyang to the vibrant atmosphere that fills its streets, the brand seamlessly blends Italian aesthetics with Chinese New Year traditions.
    — WWD, WWD, 29 Jan. 2025
Definition of dazzling
Adjective
  • Elsa Hosk is another shining example of this phenomenon.
    — Kelsey Stiegman, Vogue, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Fullerton College’s Bachelor of Science in Drone and Autonomous Systems provides a shining example of how community colleges can meet the demands of a changing workforce.
    — Ray Ravaglia, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Definition of shining
Adjective
  • Native to Central and South America, money trees are popular houseplants with glossy green leaves and slender trunks, which are often braided for aesthetics.
    — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Jan. 2025
  • The man’s eyes were glossy and his speech was slurred, according to authorities.
    — Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 28 Jan. 2025
Definition of glossy
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, Harry and Meghan initially received glowing headlines for dropping into Pasadena last Friday to serve meals, leave donations and give hugs to Eaton fire survivors.
    — Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 17 Jan. 2025
  • That glowing material coalesced into the body now called the Moon.
    — Francis Nimmo, JSTOR Daily, 9 Jan. 2025
Definition of glowing
Adjective
  • The sleek shape and subtle texture would look great paired with anything from casual outfits to dresses.
    — Rebecca Shinners, Travel + Leisure, 21 Jan. 2025
  • With their minimal shapes, sleek appeal and refined colors, jackets were the unfussy style choice to elevate any look.
    — Sandra Salibian, WWD, 21 Jan. 2025
Definition of sleek
Adjective
  • Concerns about personal privacy, election interference, exploitative labor practices and the toxic effects of social media scraped much of the sheen off the tech industry and its shiny gadgets, especially among Democrats.
    — Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2025
  • The shiny black patent finish on this pair, for example, looks super high-class like a pair of expensive heels.
    — Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 25 Jan. 2025
Definition of shiny

Thesaurus Entries Near lustrous

lustrating

lustrous

lustrously

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Cite this Entry

“Lustrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lustrous. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on lustrous

Nglish: Translation of lustrous for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of lustrous for Arabic Speakers

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