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 An 18/0 contains no nickel and is generally considered more prone to spotting and less lustrous but is great for people with nickel allergies or looking for more budget-friendly options. Angela Tafoya, Vogue, 3 Apr. 2025 Mary’s hair—once long and lustrous, a lifelong point of pride—was matted to her head, Carlin noticed. Sarah Stillman, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025 In a lustrous dupioni fabric, its sleeveless design has two pockets on the side to keep things feeling casual, but also has no shortage of flirty attitude, thanks to the two bows with adorable pleats down the backside. Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 6 Apr. 2025 The web-like blue and gold dial is housed in a 40mm case made of tantalum, a very hard, ductile, lustrous, blue-gray transition metal that is highly corrosion-resistant. Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lustrous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lustrous
Adjective
  • Formulated with a potent blend of ceramides and panthenol, this moisturizer offers a rich, creamy texture that melts into the skin, delivering immediate moisture and a luminous glow.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 26 May 2025
  • As a result, these devices can be highly reactive to bright sources of light, such as street lamps or the luminous glow of a full moon, which can obstruct your ability to see clearly in certain directions.
    Matt Morris, Space.com, 25 May 2025
Adjective
  • Understated enough for the office but refined enough for a Parisian sidewalk café, the polished leather and cushioned sole deliver comfort and sophistication in equal parts.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 6 June 2025
  • The final cut of this documentary feels perfectly polished, but according to those who made the film, the process was a little messy.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 6 June 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
  • 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
  • Jones wore her dark tresses in a side part, while her makeup consisted of brown eye shadow, pink blush and a glossy nude lip.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 28 May 2025
  • By way of a nourishing oil blend and shea butter, envelops lips in cushiony moisture, imparting a glossy shine plus sheer wash of color—designed to be worn on its own or paired with lip liner.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 23 May 2025
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 bag features a crystal bracelet, top handle, and a sleek drawstring chain that cinches the shape.
    Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 2 June 2025
  • In the kitchens, custom custom cabinetry, sleek stone countertops and high-end appliances are a chef’s (private or otherwise) dream, while spa-like features turn the bathrooms into tranquil retreats.
    Emma Kershaw, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • In the two hours that preceded that, fans relished surprises in the form of a drumline, a salsa breakdown, Shakira playing a shiny Flying V guitar, a giant wolf with lasers in its eyes and numerous costume changes.
    Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 June 2025
  • Up top, the Air Jordan Loafer Mule keeps things relatively traditional with a shiny black leather upper fashioned in the silhouette of a loafer with the backless opening of a mule.
    Riley Jones, Footwear News, 5 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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