radiance

noun

ra·​di·​ance ˈrā-dē-ən(t)s 

1

: the quality or state of being radiant

2

: a deep pink

3

: the flux density of radiant energy per unit solid angle and per unit projected area of radiating surface

Synonyms

• brightness
• brilliance
• brilliancy
• candor
• dazzle
• effulgence
• illumination
• lambency
• lightness
• luminance
• luminosity
• luminousness
• luster
• lustre
• lustrousness
• refulgence
• splendor

Examples of radiance in a Sentence

She had a youthful radiance about her.

Her face glowed with radiance.

the radiance of the rising sun

Recent Examples on the Web

The warm radiance of yellow gold brings a new dimension to the collection’s sculptural forms and creates a striking canvas for our diamonds. —Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 5 June 2025

Last summer, North Carolina locals were astounded by a rare but entirely natural phenomenon that caused the ocean along the Crystal Coast to sparkle with a brilliant blue radiance that folks previously only associated with places like the Bahamas or Turks and Caicos. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 1 June 2025

The oil-in-water formula gives skin a glowing radiance while imparting it with a juicy, citrus floral scent that pays homage to Mediterranean summers, courtesy of bergamot, green mandarin and orange blossom. —Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025

This should be a supremely fun one beyond the Clark-Reese radiance. —Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 17 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for radiance

• irradiance

Kids Definition

radiance

noun

ra·​di·​ance ˈrād-ē-ən(t)s 

: the quality or state of being radiant