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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 In 1957, Novak (Sweeney), one of the biggest box office stars of her time and the luminous face of Vertigo, falls for Davis Jr. (Jonsson), the multi-talented Rat Pack sensation who defied boundaries of race and fame. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 2 May 2025 Silhouetted against the nebula's luminous backdrop are stark dark clouds made of hydrogen gas interwoven with dust. Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 24 Apr. 2025 But the overall vibe is luminous and joyful — almost celebratory. Ernesto Lechner, Rolling Stone, 26 Apr. 2025 The silky formula glides on, leaving skin luminous and smooth. Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for luminous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for luminous
Adjective
  • While the country’s cuisine doesn’t enjoy a glowing international reputation, many of its most beloved dishes are simple, hearty and deeply rooted in local tradition.
    David Nikel, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • Photographers around the world turned out in force to capture stunning compositions of the May 2025 full moon, blending Earthly landmarks with our glowing lunar neighbor.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • Like every successful side in these early years of the World Cup, Uruguay 1950 had an outstanding centre-half in Varela, who was physically dominant and also a key attacking weapon.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 11 May 2025
  • The Wall Street investment bank estimated that Berkshire’s T-bill position has more than doubled over the past year, adding that the $314 billion stake as of the end of March accounted for 5% of all outstanding short-term government bills.
    Yun Li, CNBC, 11 May 2025
Adjective
  • There's no official announcement time during a conclave, but there is one unmistakable signal: white smoke.
    Dan Cody, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025
  • Indeed, her portraits are unmistakable: characterized by saturated backdrops, tactile surfaces, and a deep reverence for Nigerian studio photography traditions that elevate her sitters to mythic status.
    Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 7 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
  • Udit Mehrotra is a distinguished product leader who currently serves as Head of Product Management for Customer Experience at Amazon Canada.
    Udit Mehrotra, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
  • Cruise will be honoured by the BFI on Monday with the awarding of a distinguished BFI Fellowship.
    Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • But the ‘Harry Potter’ films, ‘Lord Of The Rings,’ ‘Schindler’s List,’ ‘Mission Impossible,’ ‘Gladiator,’ ‘Aviator’ and so many more are U.S films that shot overseas for obvious reasons.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 5 May 2025
  • True to form, the Wiz system is way cheaper than the Philips Hue version without any obvious compromises (to my eye).
    Julian Chokkattu, Wired News, 3 May 2025
Adjective
  • And just like watching a prima ballerina fly into a high-stakes pirouette and stick the landing, the effect is dazzling.
    Liam Hess, Vogue, 2 May 2025
  • The result is Evangeline vs. the Machine, a record that is both dazzling and challenging, and creates a listening experience that upends the idea of what country music is — or at least the type of country music that first made Church a Nashville star.
    Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • The team has permitted Derice, a two-time winner of the prestigious BART scouting award, a chance to pursue new opportunities, according to Neil Stratton of Inside The League.
    Pat Leonard, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2025
  • Relationships with prestigious cellars lead to special bottle acquisitions.
    Melinda Sheckells, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Luminous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, http://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luminous. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

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