RADIANT Synonyms: 141 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'radiant' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of radiant are bright , brilliant , luminous , and lustrous . While all these words mean "shining or glowing with light," radiant stresses the emission or seeming emission of rays of light.

Q: In what contexts can 'bright' take the place of 'radiant'?

The words bright and radiant can be used in similar contexts, but bright implies emitting or reflecting a high degree of light.

Q: When is it sensible to use 'brilliant' instead of 'radiant'?

Although the words brilliant and radiant have much in common, brilliant implies intense often sparkling brightness.

Q: When can 'luminous' be used instead of 'radiant'?

While in some cases nearly identical to radiant , luminous implies emission of steady, suffused, glowing light by reflection or in surrounding darkness.

Q: When would 'lustrous' be a good substitute for 'radiant'?

The meanings of lustrous and radiant largely overlap; however, lustrous stresses an even, rich light from a surface that reflects brightly without glittering.

radiant

adjective

ˈrā-dē-ənt

Definition of radiant next

as in bright

having or being an outward sign of good feelings (as of love, confidence, or happiness) she left the interview with a radiant smile on her face, confident she had gotten the job a radiant bride

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in luminous

giving off or reflecting much light from the plane we could see the statehouse's radiant gold dome

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective radiant differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of radiant are bright, brilliant, luminous, and lustrous. While all these words mean "shining or glowing with light," radiant stresses the emission or seeming emission of rays of light.

In what contexts can bright take the place of radiant?

The words bright and radiant can be used in similar contexts, but bright implies emitting or reflecting a high degree of light.

When is it sensible to use brilliant instead of radiant?

Although the words brilliant and radiant have much in common, brilliant implies intense often sparkling brightness.

When can luminous be used instead of radiant?

While in some cases nearly identical to radiant, luminous implies emission of steady, suffused, glowing light by reflection or in surrounding darkness.

When would lustrous be a good substitute for radiant?

The meanings of lustrous and radiant largely overlap; however, lustrous stresses an even, rich light from a surface that reflects brightly without glittering.

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 radiant However, Eldridge demonstrated that less is more, using only a few products already in her makeup bag to achieve a dewy, radiant look. To understand more about this emerging trend, Newsweek spoke to three makeup experts who shared their insights on how to master the art of microdosing makeup. —

Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025 In this corner of the world, traditional attires are inherently bright, but the filmmakers boost their impact by conceiving the images to look unassumingly radiant in the way hues mingle in the frame. —

Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 25 Jan. 2025 Originating in South Korea, glass skin has become the benchmark for radiant, healthy skin. —

Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 2 Feb. 2025 Working as a sort of allover highlighter, this imparts a glowing, radiant bronze perfect for a dewy makeup look. —

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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for radiant

Adjective

In this case, bright, sensitive 10-year-old Chuang (Wang Shang) feels unwanted in multiple households.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025
The pressure, the this, the that, bright lights, nothing.

— Eric Nehm, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025