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.

Examples 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 The Satin Clutch Polished, lustrous, and beautifully draped, the satin handbag is a no-fail option for evening wear. Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2024 Sufficient iron intake can keep your hair looking lustrous, promote brain health, and boost immunity, too. Ashia Aubourg, Outside Online, 4 Oct. 2024 The dress featured lustrous gold hardware at the hip and an elegant side slit. Julia Teti, WWD, 9 Oct. 2024 Everything from lustrous sets to breathable cotton nightgowns and soft waffle weaves within the collection is crafted from pure silks and organic cotton. Laura Lajiness Kaupke, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lustrous 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lustrous
Adjective
  • Spanning from luminous leaded glass masterpieces to rare and storied collections, the auctions honor the legacy of Louis Comfort Tiffany alongside a selection of design masterworks spanning Art Deco to contemporary icons, Sotheby’s said in a statement.
    Thomas Waller, WWD, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Many performances are career peaks: Thompson is luminous; Branagh plays Benedick with exquisite finesse, a sly operator who secretly wants to get caught.
    Helen Shaw, The New Yorker, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Of course, her mani of the moment (which had now transformed into her engagement mani) was on full display in all of the happy photos: short, subtly polished nails.
    Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 12 Dec. 2024
  • The following week, an employee might join to discuss how to look polished without trying too hard for a PTA meeting.
    Julian Randall, Essence, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • From marveling at the cherry blossom trees in bloom to soaking in the dazzling lights of Tokyo Tower, the family seemingly made sure to take in as many sights as possible.
    Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 17 Dec. 2024
  • Stroll through dazzling displays, shop at the holiday market, and catch holiday movies, fiestas and special events.
    Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Before this iteration of Shelley's tale, the first modern version of the myth, there hadn't been a horror film that so graphically indulged in gore and violence, in bright and shining color photography no less.
    Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 30 Oct. 2024
  • We’re devastated by the loss of our beautiful, sweet, kind, bright and shining star.
    Sean Neumann, Peoplemag, 5 Sep. 2024
Adjective
  • No detail is left unturned at this glossy, editorial-ready establishment – with floral walls, oversized art filled with Black heroes from across the diaspora, a life-sized lion, a grand piano, and so much more to catch the eye.
    Essence, Essence, 17 Dec. 2024
  • This can be supplemented by direct investment in glossy, original short form content, dusting off the playbook from the now defunct Quibi.
    Paul Pastor, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Visitors throughout the state can experience the magnificent 3-acre Christmas light display, highlighted by a 30-foot ribbon tree, 32-foot glowing ribbon arch, dazzling 20-foot Starburst, Christmas sleigh, and more.
    Kirby Adams, The Courier-Journal, 15 Dec. 2024
  • Coming to New York after its debut in Montreal, these 20 spheres respond to light sources like flashlights and smartphones, inviting visitors to interact with their glowing surfaces.
    David Hochman, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Adobe first opened its doors in 2012 to a sleek, modern 280,000 square-foot building.
    Dardan Pula, CNBC, 10 Dec. 2024
  • Aerodynamics play a major part in achieving the 450-mile range, as final tweaks to the design helped the model reach a sleek 0.24 coefficient of drag.
    Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 10 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Then, a few years ago, a friend presented me with a thick, shiny box—minimal in its design, no rococo flourishes or swoopy landscapes—and promised that this panettone would change my life.
    Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 15 Dec. 2024
  • Alongside Chalamet, his costar Elle Fanning wore red lips with a shiny custom Prada dress in butter yellow and jewels signed by Cartier.
    María Munsuri, Glamour, 14 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near lustrous

Cite this Entry

“Lustrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lustrous. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on lustrous

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