RADIANT Synonyms: 141 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'radiant' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of radiant are bright , brilliant , luminous , and lustrous . While all these words mean "shining or glowing with light," radiant stresses the emission or seeming emission of rays of light.

Q: In what contexts can 'bright' take the place of 'radiant'?

The words bright and radiant can be used in similar contexts, but bright implies emitting or reflecting a high degree of light.

Q: When is it sensible to use 'brilliant' instead of 'radiant'?

Although the words brilliant and radiant have much in common, brilliant implies intense often sparkling brightness.

Q: When can 'luminous' be used instead of 'radiant'?

While in some cases nearly identical to radiant , luminous implies emission of steady, suffused, glowing light by reflection or in surrounding darkness.

Q: When would 'lustrous' be a good substitute for 'radiant'?

The meanings of lustrous and radiant largely overlap; however, lustrous stresses an even, rich light from a surface that reflects brightly without glittering.

radiant

adjective

ˈrā-dē-ənt

Definition of radiant next

as in bright

having or being an outward sign of good feelings (as of love, confidence, or happiness) she left the interview with a radiant smile on her face, confident she had gotten the job a radiant bride

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in luminous

giving off or reflecting much light from the plane we could see the statehouse's radiant gold dome

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective radiant differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of radiant are bright, brilliant, luminous, and lustrous. While all these words mean "shining or glowing with light," radiant stresses the emission or seeming emission of rays of light.

In what contexts can bright take the place of radiant?

The words bright and radiant can be used in similar contexts, but bright implies emitting or reflecting a high degree of light.

When is it sensible to use brilliant instead of radiant?

Although the words brilliant and radiant have much in common, brilliant implies intense often sparkling brightness.

When can luminous be used instead of radiant?

While in some cases nearly identical to radiant, luminous implies emission of steady, suffused, glowing light by reflection or in surrounding darkness.

When would lustrous be a good substitute for radiant?

The meanings of lustrous and radiant largely overlap; however, lustrous stresses an even, rich light from a surface that reflects brightly without glittering.

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 radiant From nourishing serums and moisturizers to radiant foundations and volumizing mascaras, these items will make your confidence shine bright. —

Kat Romero, Rolling Stone, 20 Dec. 2024 The cocktail’s radiant red hue was capped with a light foam. —

Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024 Editor’s tip: Dark spots don’t just pop up on your face—don’t forget to show your neck and chest some love with the serum to keep everything looking even and radiant. —

Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 20 Dec. 2024 Snow, here, is imagined – luminescent in radiant dots covering white tarps. —

Francine Kiefer, The Christian Science Monitor, 19 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for radiant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for radiant

Adjective

Like most at-home teeth-whitening options, teeth-whitening pens contain an active ingredient to remove stains and neutralize tones for a whiter, brighter effect.

Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 9 Jan. 2025
The brand’s new Fall/Winter collection features the Women’s Knitted Greta Top, which can be styled under a blazer, the lightweight Octavia Cashmere Scarf, in a bright red floral pattern.

Nadja Sayej, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025