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 Famous for its bond-building technology—which has resulted in more lustrous locks for celebrities like Charlize Theron—Olaplex infuses its moisture mask with a patented ingredient that Collins approves of. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2025 Phelps recommends semi-regular salon visits to keep the color rich and lustrous (typically every eight to 12 weeks), paired with color-protecting shampoos and conditioners to prevent fading. Izzie Deibe, refinery29.com, 15 Jan. 2025 The lustrous attire brought sparkle to a carpet that was also full of colors, from pale pink Dior (on Anya Taylor-Joy); to navy Carolina Herrera (on Kate Hudson); to red Dolce & Gabbana (on Dakota Fanning). The Styles Desk, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2025 Get your daily prescription of surrealism with our lustrous homages to fab pharmaceuticals. From You Flowers, refinery29.com, 4 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lustrous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lustrous
Adjective
  • The northern lights are a luminous glow seen around the magnetic poles of the northern and southern hemispheres, according to the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2025
  • The River Walk at night is always luminous, but this parade makes an evening on the river extra magical.
    Jill Robbins, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Nanette Nanette Lepore Freedom Stretch Pants These straight-leg pants are at once casual and polished, thanks to a tab fly, buttoned back welt pockets, and hems that hit right above the ankles on most people.
    Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The effortless and beachy hairstyle has taken a back seat in recent years to more polished styles like sleek bobs, liquid hair, and voluminous blowouts.
    Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 18 Apr. 2025
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
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
Adjective
  • It is often recognized for its lightweight, non-sticky texture and soft, glossy finish.
    Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Her makeup included bold brows, a slightly smokey eye and a glossy lip for added definition.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Fine needles stimulate collagen and elastin for a glowing, even complexion, ideal for addressing hyperpigmentation before a trip.
    Rana Good, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • The townsfolk run for cover as the glowing red eyes and bone-chilling howls signal the return of the terrifying creature.
    Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Crumb desecrated sleek American surfaces in a way that felt disturbing and profound, especially to the many young people also dropping acid.
    Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The cruise line, with its sleek design, balcony hammocks and Instagram-friendly onboard spaces, has been a hit with younger guests.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Unlike Spears, however, Lopez wore her shiny catsuit in a soft pink tone with mauve panels and a ruched belt, finishing off the look with a metallic silver clutch, pink plastic sunglasses, and a slick-back ponytail.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 19 Apr. 2025
  • There’s the misery pit of a first New York apartment in the ’90s, when Manhattan felt less shiny and shut off by wealth.
    Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lustrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lustrous. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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