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 The Japanese Silk Crewneck Long Sleeve Shirt offers a lustrous 100% silk construction in sophisticated hues like Burgundy and Parchment. Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025 But, at closer look, the lustrous, sculptural aspects of Emily’s and Mindy’s dresses compose a perfect harmony. Fawnia Soo Hoo, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2025 To easily identify which bakeries had met the lofty standards of the guild, a lustrous golden kringle was adorned over the door—an exclusive emblem of royal approval—and is still found today throughout the city. Carinne Geil Botta, Vogue, 31 July 2025 Blond wood cabinets, warm brown tiles, and stone floors give the space a lustrous feeling. Marcia Desanctis, Travel + Leisure, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for lustrous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lustrous
Adjective
  • The lightweight formula glides on with a refreshing tingle, then rinses away to reveal skin that feels softer, smoother, and more luminous.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The nongreasy formula also delivers a luminous, glowy finish that even shoppers in their 80s can attest to.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • With a yellow gold case framing the timeless depth of a polished Onyx dial, the Geneva Minute Repeater was one of the absolute best drops in Geneva last week.
    Thor Svaboe, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Tongue-and-groove construction makes for easy installation on site and a polished look when finished.
    Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • These autumn hues make the already dramatic Wyoming destination even more dazzling.
    Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Elaborate dinner shows deliver dazzling performances alongside multi-course meals.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Outdoor scenes especially are artfully composed, such as a distant view of a bridge with the river flowing under it in the foreground, or the glistening look of a puddle on the street at night.
    Caryn James, HollywoodReporter, 31 Aug. 2025
  • Its mesmerizing turquoise lakes, towering granite pinnacles, and vast, glistening glaciers have earned the park recognition as the crown jewel of Patagonia region, a vast natural frontier which stretches over 1,000 miles from Chile to the tip of Argentina.
    Elizabeth Brownfield, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Attendees rode in support of and alongside community member Eva Zamora, who is a shining example of how to live your best life with Parkinson’s disease and takes cycle classes at EōS regularly, a news release stated.
    News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Her next shining moment comes when two young sisters enter the hospital.
    Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Beneath the surface of this glossy novel is a heartfelt depiction of the obstacles aspirant writers face in trying to both produce and publish.
    Susan Coll September 12, Literary Hub, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Rather than relying solely on glossy imagery or abstract measurements, its website takes a consumer-first approach.
    Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Al Campanis, then a Brooklyn scout, saw him as an 18-year-old and filed a glowing scouting report.
    Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The bookshelf opens to reveal a glowing path.
    Charlie Fink, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The 849 Testarossa—which will be available as a coupe or spider with a retractable top—sports a sleek yet aggressive look in line with the rest of the brand’s current lineup, in particular the F80 and 296.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Kevan Hall launched his career in the 1980s, quickly making his mark with sleek, elegant designs that fused Hollywood glamour with modern sophistication.
    Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lustrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lustrous. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

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