1
2

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 From bold braids and laid edges to radiant skin and power lips, the red carpet proved once again that our beauty knows no boundaries. Larry Stansbury, Essence, 31 Mar. 2025 While this cream’s key moisturizing ingredients do their thing, niacinamide balances oil production and brightens skin to reveal a more radiant, even tone. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 3 Apr. 2025 Jojoba esters add to its silky smooth application, while ginseng extract further reduces inflammation and boosts collagen production, leaving skin looking plump and radiant. Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2025 On Instagram, Carey also posted a selfie with a close-up look at her radiant makeup and, thanks to her glossy lips and bronzed skin, the glow-mometer was cranked to the max. Michelle Lee, People.com, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for radiant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for radiant
Adjective
  • In the image, the girl group smiled while on a beach at night, as a bright, full moon could be seen in the sky behind them.
    Nicholas Rice, People.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • An off-white maxi dress covered in black poppies, their graphic petals bloomed open and surrounded by pops of bright red berries.
    Susannah Cahalan, Vogue, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
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
  • 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
  • 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Radiant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/radiant. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on radiant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!