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 After leaving it on for two to three minutes, rinse it off, and voila—balanced color and a lustrous sheen. Jenny Berg, Allure, 31 Dec. 2024 Fashion-forward, contemporary brand Ganni has leaned into lustrous finishes this season with some seriously chic results. Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 23 Dec. 2024 The lucky few who have sampled the spirit speak of an ethereal balance of spice and sweet; supernatural swirls of maple syrup and port wine, which slowly evolve into lustrous tendrils of cinnamon and clove. Brad Japhe, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024 Find it on Amazon This Cake Stand Covered in Crystals Present your dessert like a work of art with this cake stand adorned with sparkling crystal pendants and a lustrous gold finish. Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 5 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lustrous 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lustrous
Adjective
  • The luminous cores of distant, ancient galaxies, quasars expel jets of energetic matter.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN, 13 Feb. 2025
  • The trending ingredient teams up with vitamin C, niacinamide, and tranexamic acid to ensure your skin is on the fast track to a more even tone and more luminous finish.
    Devon Abelman, Allure, 11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The key to this look is a polished, flyaway-free finish.
    Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 18 Feb. 2025
  • However, in today’s hiring landscape, recruiters have become adept at identifying overly polished responses that lack genuine insight to their interview questions.
    Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • While the internals aren't dazzling, the 14th-generation Intel i5 processor is more than speedy enough to tackle standard productivity tasks, Web browsing and media streaming.
    K. Thor Jensen, PCMAG, 11 Feb. 2025
  • One of the biggest events will be the always dazzling and campy Eurovision Song Contest Grand Finale, which will be staged in St. Jakobshalle arena on Saturday, May 17.
    Adam H. Graham, AFAR Media, 10 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Ben Franklin, with his range of knowledge from political science to publishing to ocean currents, is another shining example.
    Joe McKendrick, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Elsa Hosk is another shining example of this phenomenon.
    Kelsey Stiegman, Vogue, 13 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Many opted for subtle highlights and glossy lips that enhanced rather than masked their features.
    Stixx Mathews, Essence, 10 Feb. 2025
  • The former's sandwich-like body style envelopes the console at the top and bottom, and leaves the glossy black panel with its USB ports in the front exposed.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 8 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Jolie accepted the Maltin Modern Master Award from Ava DuVernay, who gave a glowing tribute to the actress onstage at the Arlington Theater.
    Jack Smart, People.com, 7 Feb. 2025
  • That sentiment is a far cry from Melania Trump's own glowing characterizations of the aid agency's work.
    Lucien Bruggeman, ABC News, 6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Jutes, meanwhile, rocks a sleek black suit and sunglasses, as the couple poses in a vintage convertible car.
    Rania Aniftos, Billboard, 14 Feb. 2025
  • Rowland wore a sleek velvet black dress, as Williams sported a short sequin red cocktail dress.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 13 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The scalp may feel excessively greasy or oily and appear shiny or wet.
    Lindsay Curtis, Health, 5 Feb. 2025
  • The star's honey blonde locks were styled into a sleek and shiny blowout, courtesy of her longtime hairstylist Chris Appleton.
    Catherine Santino, People.com, 3 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near lustrous

Cite this Entry

“Lustrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lustrous. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on lustrous

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