1
as in glowing
giving off or reflecting much light
the luminous moon bathed the snow-covered fields with a pearly glow
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in outstanding
standing above others in rank, importance, or achievement
some of the most luminous writers in the nation's history have graced that magazine's pages
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3
as in unmistakable
not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation
an author with a simple, luminous prose style that is free of affectation and pretention
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of luminous
So give War of the Planet of the Apes director Matt Reeves credit for finding his own way into Gotham’s luminous gloom, presenting us with a young-ish Bruce Wayne (Robert Pattinson) who’s still relatively new at being Batman, still making mistakes while honing his skill at crime-fighting.
—
Tim Grierson, Vulture, 11 July 2025
As Ayers explained, sprites are what scientists refer to as transient luminous events (TLEs) that happen above the clouds during periods of intense electrical activity, like lightning.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 8 July 2025
Their ray of hope comes with convincing a reluctant former bobsled medalist (a luminous John Candy, in what would be one of his last onscreen performances) to train them, and obligatory hijinks, setbacks, and triumphs ensue.
—Sophie Van Bastelaer, EW.com, 7 July 2025
No white cast, no excessive rubbing—just luminous skin that’s shielded by SPF45 protection.
—Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for luminous
Tim Grierson, Vulture, 11 July 2025
As Ayers explained, sprites are what scientists refer to as transient luminous events (TLEs) that happen above the clouds during periods of intense electrical activity, like lightning.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 8 July 2025
Their ray of hope comes with convincing a reluctant former bobsled medalist (a luminous John Candy, in what would be one of his last onscreen performances) to train them, and obligatory hijinks, setbacks, and triumphs ensue.
—Sophie Van Bastelaer, EW.com, 7 July 2025
No white cast, no excessive rubbing—just luminous skin that’s shielded by SPF45 protection.
—Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for luminous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for luminous
Adjective
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For the past few months, diners at the West Loop restaurant have received their bill with a glowing portrait of Sullivan, celebrating her appearance on the show.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
22 July 2025
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Poster Suite—the hotel’s crown jewel—dressed with a stately four-poster bed, a stylish lounge area (think long floral drapes, retro Roberts radios, regal armchairs, and historic prints of Haddon Hall), and a snug ensuite with a small bath tub and a glowing vanity mirror.—
Lewis Nunn,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
Adjective
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The film had an outstanding run at the box office, opening with a record-breaking $183 million Memorial Day weekend debut.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
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Straight out of the Chris Jones playbook, Banks uses his length to create movement, and his effort from the backside is outstanding.—
Dane Brugler,
New York Times,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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The public display hit televisions and phone screens across the country and was an unmistakable signal that the Trump administration was not done flexing its political muscle in California.—
Stephen Hobbs,
Sacbee.com,
19 July 2025
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Dignity Through Every Stage Of Life The shift in conversation is unmistakable.—
Karen Fonseth,
Forbes.com,
18 July 2025
Adjective
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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
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Her next shining moment comes when two young sisters enter the hospital.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
People.com,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The organizers of the 2024 Games in Paris allowed some of that city’s most distinguished landmarks to be utilized as part of the spectacle.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
23 July 2025
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With contributions spanning nearly three-decades in public education, Janicek has established a distinguished track record of innovative leadership, strategic foresight, and unparalleled community engagement, the news release stated.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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And then there are the descriptions of the additional terms, which may not be obvious.—
Erik Sherman,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
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But a sharp turn straight into country seems like far too obvious a path for a singer-songwriter who has quietly done her own thing.—
Julyssa Lopez,
Rolling Stone,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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Decades later, in 2019, Irishman Shane Lowry—buoyed by a dazzling third-round 63—won his first major in runaway fashion on these same dunes, igniting a raucous celebration across the island.—
Mike Dojc,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
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With high level visuals being a key characteristics of both Insomniac and Tomorrowland events, the production for UNITY is highly anticipated and expected to be similarly dazzling.—
Katie Bain,
Billboard,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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The film, which has just been announced to world premiere in Toronto’s prestigious Platform competition, is a co-production between Argentina’s Ruda Cine and Switzerland’s Alina Film.—
Rafa Sales Ross,
Variety,
22 July 2025
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Mitchell went to Europe immediately after college and has carved out a successful pro career, first in France for two years, then one with a different club in Turkey, then last season with Zalgiris Kaunas of Lithuania that competes in the prestigious EuroLeague.—
Mark Zeigler,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Luminous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luminous. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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