1
as in star
a ball-shaped gaseous celestial body that shines by its own light
awed by the vast number of luminaries in the night sky
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in celebrity
a person who is widely known and usually much talked about
luminaries from the worlds of sports, entertainment, and politics were at the gala
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in lighted
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of luminary
Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 17 Jan. 2025
His cause had been taken up by pop culture figures, religious leaders and political luminaries.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025
An explanation for it eluded Albert Einstein and other luminaries until the 1950s, when John Bardeen, Leon Cooper, and John Robert Schrieffer (right photo, left to right) determined that atomic vibrations known as phonons were at work.
—Charlie Wood, WIRED, 12 Jan. 2025
The Nets - who started such luminaries as Jalen Wilson and Keon Johnson - shot just 37.5 percent from the field and 35 percent (14 for 40) on threes.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for luminary 
Noun
The film blends anecdotes, wisdom, and practical X’s and O’s from football luminaries with footage of Kyle’s emotional farewell season.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 17 Jan. 2025
His cause had been taken up by pop culture figures, religious leaders and political luminaries.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025
An explanation for it eluded Albert Einstein and other luminaries until the 1950s, when John Bardeen, Leon Cooper, and John Robert Schrieffer (right photo, left to right) determined that atomic vibrations known as phonons were at work.
—Charlie Wood, WIRED, 12 Jan. 2025
The Nets - who started such luminaries as Jalen Wilson and Keon Johnson - shot just 37.5 percent from the field and 35 percent (14 for 40) on threes.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for luminary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for luminary
Noun
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Michelle Monaghan is actress Jaclyn Lemon: The TV star is famous enough to be recognized by other guests (and paid for her childhood friends' vacations).—
Bryan Alexander,
USA TODAY,
18 Feb. 2025
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Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher may be going through a $75 million divorce, but the Borat star only had good things to say about his ex in her new post.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
18 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Other celebrities seen inside the Superdome ahead of kickoff include Kevin Costner, Pete Davidson, Miles Teller, soccer star Lionel Messi and Druski.—
Carly Thomas,
The Hollywood Reporter,
9 Feb. 2025
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Although this year’s celebrity host will remain a secret until the opening night, past stars who have filled that role include Emma Roberts, Sofia Vergara, Amy Adams, Anne Hathaway, and Rita Ora.—
Richard Johnson,
New York Daily News,
9 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Using this device, as well as other modern camera equipment, Pettit and other astronauts have been able to take amazing low-light photographs recently, imaging city lights, auroras, airglow, and the stars of our surrounding galaxy.—
Alan Taylor,
The Atlantic,
13 Feb. 2025
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Neutrinos are ghostly subatomic particles that can travel in a straight line for billions of light-years, passing unhindered through galaxies, stars and anything else in their path.—
Doyle Rice,
USA TODAY,
13 Feb. 2025
Noun
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His impact on the field was undeniable, and his personality off the field was infectious.—
Dane Mizutani,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
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With his low-key personality, Coetzee has needed a little prodding along the way, according to Andrean coach Aaron Austin.—
Michael Osipoff,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The luminous cores of distant, ancient galaxies, quasars expel jets of energetic matter.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN,
13 Feb. 2025
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This translates into better digestion, more energy, and a more luminous skin.—
Sofía Esquivel,
Glamour,
11 Feb. 2025
Noun
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We’re motivated to get outside, soak up some sun and enjoy a slight breeze without the threat of constant afternoon thunderstorms.—
Kari Barnett,
Sun Sentinel,
11 Feb. 2025
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Provide Plenty of Sun Some succulents like more sun than others, but most succulents grow best in bright, indirect light.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Beyond those agencies, the department is also responsible for securing airline transportation, protecting dignitaries and responding to natural disasters.—
Stephen Groves,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Jan. 2025
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After planting a kiss on the cheek of First Lady Melania Trump and shaking hands with Biden, Trump basked in applause from an extraordinary gathering of A-list dignitaries from the worlds of politics and business.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
20 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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While the internals aren't dazzling, the 14th-generation Intel i5 processor is more than speedy enough to tackle standard productivity tasks, Web browsing and media streaming.—
K. Thor Jensen,
PCMAG,
11 Feb. 2025
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Hailee Steinfeld's engagement ring from her fiancé Josh Allen is one dazzling diamond.—
Jordana Comiter,
People.com,
10 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near luminary
Cite this Entry
“Luminary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luminary. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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