radiant

adjective

ˈrā-dē-ənt How to pronounce radiant (audio)
Definition of radiantnext
1
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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 The sun has morphed into a lifeless black circle surrounded by a milky halo, a consequence of the moon passing perfectly between the Earth and its radiant star. — Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 29 Mar. 2025 Maybe what people are picking up on regarding Meghan in the same fashion is the promotion of herself as someone who’s similarly flawless and radiant and lovely in her clothes and making these gorgeous bountiful gift baskets for her friends, with lavender towels in her fridge. — Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 28 Mar. 2025 Look to the constellations Ursa Major and Ursa Minor for this shower’s radiant point. — Michael D'estries, Travel + Leisure, 17 Mar. 2025 When Zoe enters a rehearsal, her radiant presence elevates the room, creating an atmosphere of positivity and collaboration that encourages everyone to strive for excellence. — Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 16 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for radiant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for radiant
  1. bright
  2. luminous
  3. glowing
  4. shining
  5. dazzling
  6. sunny
  7. shiny
  8. cheerful
Adjective
  • Charlotte was a bright girl who loved cheerleading, doted on her baby brother, and was navigating the tricky road from childhood to adulthood, equally obsessed with Taylor Swift and Gossip Girl as well as the latest Disney animation.
    — Charlie Campbell, Time, 3 Apr. 2025
  • The pistachios add a nice crunch and the fresh mint lends the bowl a refreshing, bright pop of flavor.
    — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of bright
Adjective
  • In retrospect, Cassidy would understand that Brianna was high, radiantly high, her skin luminous with heat and her glassy eyes glistening.
    — Joyce Carol Oates, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Her skin is luminous, pale with indignation.
    — Joyce Carol Oates, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of 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
Definition of glowing
Adjective
  • Her next shining moment comes when two young sisters enter the hospital.
    — Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • There were definitely moments that were less shining than others for me.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of shining
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
Definition of dazzling
Adjective
  • Fans have speculated that since the first three seasons were all set in a sunny locale, the upcoming season could switch things up by spending time at a White Lotus resort in a cooler climate.
    — Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Mostly sunny skies are expected in Central Florida on Sunday, Spectrum News 13 meteorologist Zach Covey said.
    — Elainie Barraza, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of sunny
Adjective
  • Other tidbits shared by Prosser include a shinier animation for the camera and torch icons on the lock screen, as well as broader and thinner toggles for options in Settings.
    — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The matte black manicure, created by manicurist Pika, makes a prominent cameo in some new promo pics and videos for Fenty Beauty's Gloss Bomb Oil, a sparkly, shiny lip product made for summertime shining.
    — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of shiny
Adjective
  • Plus, their cheerful blooms and tall stems ensure these flowers will be a striking addition to any landscape.
    — Renee Freemon Mulvihill, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Minnie is always cheerful, resourceful, and kind, often helping her friends with her intelligence and creativity.
    — Lauryn Higgins, Parents, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of cheerful

Browse Nearby Words

radiancy
radiant
radiantly
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Cite this Entry

“Radiant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/radiant. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on radiant

Nglish: Translation of radiant for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about radiant

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