LUMINOUS Synonyms: 230 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

luminous

adjective

ˈlü-mə-nəs

Definition of luminous next

as in glowing

giving off or reflecting much light the luminous moon bathed the snow-covered fields with a pearly glow

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 On the complexion front, light diffusing powders ensure the perfect luminous, medium-to-full-coverage wear. —

Kiana Murden, Vogue, 31 Jan. 2025 Mulligan brings luminous self-possession to her supporting role, which recalls her appearance as another folk singer in the Coens’ instant classic Inside Llewyn Davis. —

David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Feb. 2025 For instance, in the case of M87*, the new analysis confirmed the presence of a luminous ring that is brightest at the bottom, which in turn confirmed that the rotational axis points away from Earth. —

Ars Technica, 31 Jan. 2025 Featuring a blend of SPF 30, mandarin-peel extract, light-adjusting technology, luminous pearls, and microcrystals, this foundation refines skin texture, reduces the look of hyperpigmentation, and smooths fine lines. —

Kiana Murden, Vogue, 31 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for luminous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for luminous

Adjective

Jolie accepted the Maltin Modern Master Award from Ava DuVernay, who gave a glowing tribute to the actress onstage at the Arlington Theater.

— Jack Smart, People.com, 7 Feb. 2025
That sentiment is a far cry from Melania Trump's own glowing characterizations of the aid agency's work.

— Lucien Bruggeman, ABC News, 6 Feb. 2025