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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 Made by hand so that no rosy base is the same, each talc-free powder is a unique, marbleized mixture of blush and pearlescent pigments that, when swirled together and swept over cheekbones, leaves you with a flush of dimensional, luminous color—even in the darkest of rooms. Sophia Panych, Allure, 15 May 2025 Still, recent fashion shows have also reaffirmed the look’s staying power with a noticeable uptick in the use of highlighter for luminous finishes on the runway. Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 9 May 2025 But for dryer skin types, this step can be skipped so the Glow Mist can easily lock everything in while keeping the skin luminous, fresh and protected throughout the day. Jessica Ourisman, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025 What finally elevated my perspective was a luminous Book that perfectly alchemized my thoughts, beliefs, with human nature. Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for luminous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for luminous
Adjective
  • Eric Murphy, 35, proposed to Jasmin Lawrence, 29, last November in a small event with high production values: myriad candles, romantic lighting, flower petals covering the floor and a glowing orange heart as a backdrop.
    Christie D’Zurilla, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
  • Gleeson says Krasinski and Carell's support — and their glowing reports of their own experiences working on The Office — made accepting the role that much more affirming.
    Erin Clack, People.com, 25 May 2025
Adjective
  • The show has won two Emmys since: One in 2014 for outstanding interactive program and another in 2015 for outstanding creative achievement in interactive media.
    Jack Dunn, Variety, 4 June 2025
  • Most impressively, Kohli has been able to tweak his game, batting with more explosiveness at the top of the order to produce an outstanding season for RCB.
    Tristan Lavalette, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • The gravity of the moment was unmistakable — the consequences of a loss, and the eventual magnitude of a win.
    Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2025
  • In a market defined by uncertainty, the bond market’s message is unmistakable: brace for impact.
    Dan Irvine, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • Her next shining moment comes when two young sisters enter the hospital.
    Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • It’s been a long time since Florida’s university system was put to such disgrace as the Board of Governors did Tuesday in rejecting the distinguished scholar Santa Ono as the lone finalist for president of the University of Florida.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 June 2025
  • Today, that distinguished tradition continues, with the distillery's current leadership or their cadre of seasoned master tasters personally vetting these casks.
    Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • But in terms of the excitement and electricity, the parallels between Verlander and Skubal are obvious.
    Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 29 May 2025
  • AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tom Kines told Newsweek the most obvious impact from the smoke would be hazy skies, which could contribute to visually beautiful sunrises and sunsets in the affected areas.
    Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • The results give a dazzling, simultaneous impression of serenity and velocity—half zen garden, half hyperspeed blur.
    Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 29 May 2025
  • The event will feature a lineup of live entertainment, including performances by The Betties, the Orlando Gay Chorus, and the dazzling Kissimmee Queens.
    Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • Many go on to secure prestigious new projects restoring or reimagining global landmarks.
    Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
  • During his 16 years tenure as CEO, David and his team helped to elevate the already prestigious brand to become one of the top luxury wines in the world, expanding distribution to over 90 countries and increasing the value of the brand from an average of $200 to over $500 per bottle.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Luminous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luminous. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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