lustrous

adjective

ˈlə-strəs How to pronounce lustrous (audio)
Definition of lustrousnext
1
as in luminous
giving off or reflecting much light the lustrous finish on the satin bedspread adds to the feeling of luxury

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in polished
having a shiny surface or finish lustrous silver jewelry adorned her neck

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 After leaving it on for two to three minutes, rinse it off, and voila—balanced color and a lustrous sheen. —Jenny Berg, Allure, 31 Dec. 2024 Fashion-forward, contemporary brand Ganni has leaned into lustrous finishes this season with some seriously chic results. —Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 23 Dec. 2024 The lucky few who have sampled the spirit speak of an ethereal balance of spice and sweet; supernatural swirls of maple syrup and port wine, which slowly evolve into lustrous tendrils of cinnamon and clove. —Brad Japhe, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024 Find it on Amazon This Cake Stand Covered in Crystals Present your dessert like a work of art with this cake stand adorned with sparkling crystal pendants and a lustrous gold finish. —Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 5 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lustrous 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lustrous
  1. luminous
  2. polished
  3. dazzling
  4. shining
  5. glossy
  6. glowing
  7. sleek
  8. shiny
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of luminous
Adjective
  • Blake and Ryan have also built their brand as Hollywood’s power couple – witty, polished, and in tune with their audience – but this situation is starting to crack that image.
    — Tracy Wright, Fox News, 5 Feb. 2025
  • The cloisonné technique, which began in the Yuan Dynasty more than 600 years ago, uses ultra-fine bent wires to create designs on a metal base, which is then filled with colored enamel, fired, polished and gilded.
    — Tianwei Zhang, WWD, 4 Feb. 2025
Definition of polished
Adjective
  • 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
  • One of the biggest events will be the always dazzling and campy Eurovision Song Contest Grand Finale, which will be staged in St. Jakobshalle arena on Saturday, May 17.
    — Adam H. Graham, AFAR Media, 10 Feb. 2025
Definition of dazzling
Adjective
  • Ben Franklin, with his range of knowledge from political science to publishing to ocean currents, is another shining example.
    — Joe McKendrick, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Elsa Hosk is another shining example of this phenomenon.
    — Kelsey Stiegman, Vogue, 13 Jan. 2025
Definition of shining
Adjective
  • Many opted for subtle highlights and glossy lips that enhanced rather than masked their features.
    — Stixx Mathews, Essence, 10 Feb. 2025
  • The former's sandwich-like body style envelopes the console at the top and bottom, and leaves the glossy black panel with its USB ports in the front exposed.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 8 Feb. 2025
Definition of glossy
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
Definition of glowing
Adjective
  • The monochromatic details create a sleek, modern look.
    — Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 1 Feb. 2025
  • This week immediately followed Paris Men’s Week, but the celebrities who flocked to the global city were serving up sleek outfitting.
    — Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 1 Feb. 2025
Definition of sleek
Adjective
  • The scalp may feel excessively greasy or oily and appear shiny or wet.
    — Lindsay Curtis, Health, 5 Feb. 2025
  • The star's honey blonde locks were styled into a sleek and shiny blowout, courtesy of her longtime hairstylist Chris Appleton.
    — Catherine Santino, People.com, 3 Feb. 2025
Definition of shiny

Thesaurus Entries Near lustrous

lustrating

lustrous

lustrously

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Lustrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lustrous. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on lustrous

Nglish: Translation of lustrous for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of lustrous for Arabic Speakers

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