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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 While Rare Beauty has already dabbled with a luminous powder blush and a cream blush, this Bouncy Blush is definitely the first of its kind. Kleigh Balugo, StyleCaster, 28 Mar. 2025 Also beloved by pro makeup artists, the creamy color sinks into the skin on contact, leaving cheeks and lips with a luminous glow. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2025 Brighten Skin Tone Collagen face masks brighten skin tone by helping to fade dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and discoloration, resulting in a more even and luminous complexion. Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 21 Mar. 2025 The unusually large, luminous distant galaxy, called JADES-GS-z14-0, was initially detected in January 2024 using the James Webb Space Telescope, which observes the universe in infrared light that’s invisible to the human eye. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for luminous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for luminous
Adjective
  • Most come from a family friend ready to give a glowing review.
    Nicholas Wyman, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • But what do these chemical differences mean in terms of getting a glowing complexion?
    Alexis Benveniste, Allure, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The trouble with international prosecutions The ICC has a long list of outstanding arrest warrants, including for former dictator Omar al-Bashir, who ruled Sudan for three decades before being deposed in 2019.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Two additional persons charged – Sayed Ali, 59, of Richmond, and Stephanie Huerta, 35, of Houston – are considered fugitives, and warrants remain outstanding for their arrests, the U.S. attorney's office said.
    Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • It had been stated before, that Starfleet ships in the 23rd century didn’t have holodecks, but suddenly here is one — that grid pattern is unmistakable — and the crew seems to be using it to solve a whodunnit, Christie-style.
    Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 2 Apr. 2025
  • For over 20 years, her unmistakable voice has been the soundtrack to countless lives, blending gospel music a powerful message of faith.
    Shelby Stewart, Essence, 2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The real shining gem of Pokémon's eighth generation was Legends: Arceus.
    Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Sure, the Currys should get another stab at it on Monday, when the Warriors make their annual trek to Charlotte and Steph Curry’s yearly shining moment in uptown takes place.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Michel Koopman is the CEO & Founder at CxO Coaching, with a distinguished career as a senior operator and entrepreneur.
    Michel Koopman, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Nestled along the storied banks of the River Thames, 15 Cheyne Walk stands as one of Chelsea’s most distinguished homes, a residence steeped in history, grandeur, and a 300-year-old legacy.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Entertainment Fans of the show on social media seem to be missing a lot of crucial character development, and there’s an obvious explanation why.
    Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025
  • In its wildest moments, Coogler’s film seems like a collision of Lovecraft Country with True Blood, though more obvious comparisons will likely be drawn to From Dusk Till Dawn.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Also strutting her stuff is the dazzling Jayme Lawson as Pearline, a local woman unleashed by the excitement of Club Juke.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The 76-minute episode is essentially a tight feature film, starring the dazzling ensemble of Cristin Milioti, Jesse Plemons, Jimmi Simpson, Michaela Coel, Billy Magnussen, and more.
    Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Maxton Hall Season 2 Is Underway — Here’s Everything to Know About the Series' Return When Ruby (Harriet Herbig-Matten) accidentally uncovers an explosive secret at her prestigious high school, millionaire heir James (Damian Hardung) has to keep her close.
    Jordana Comiter, People.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Darryn Peterson on Tuesday night joined a veritable ‘who’s who’ in the basketball world in winning co-MVP honors at the prestigious McDonald’s All-America game at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 3 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Luminous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luminous. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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