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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 Red light therapy can help stimulate collagen production to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and near-infrared light therapy restores and can rejuvenate skin for a more radiant complexion. Nora Colomer, Fox News, 29 Nov. 2024 This medium-to-full coverage foundation creates a radiant, luminous finish while minimizing oil and blurring imperfections. Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 26 Nov. 2024 The makeup experts said that your skin will appear more nourished, hydrated, and radiant. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 21 Nov. 2024 This Mac cream-to-foam cleanser effortlessly breaks down makeup and removes dirt and excess oil for a clean, smooth, and radiant result. Alicia Geigel, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for radiant 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for radiant
Adjective
  • The sky at the top of their driveway grew a brighter and brighter shade of red.
    Matt Hamilton, Los Angeles Times, 10 Dec. 2024
  • The double layering feels a little less preppy and more fashion-forward, and the bright red adds a cheery color pop.
    Talia Abbas, Vogue, 10 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Spanning from luminous leaded glass masterpieces to rare and storied collections, the auctions honor the legacy of Louis Comfort Tiffany alongside a selection of design masterworks spanning Art Deco to contemporary icons, Sotheby’s said in a statement.
    Thomas Waller, WWD, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Many performances are career peaks: Thompson is luminous; Branagh plays Benedick with exquisite finesse, a sly operator who secretly wants to get caught.
    Helen Shaw, The New Yorker, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Visitors throughout the state can experience the magnificent 3-acre Christmas light display, highlighted by a 30-foot ribbon tree, 32-foot glowing ribbon arch, dazzling 20-foot Starburst, Christmas sleigh, and more.
    Kirby Adams, The Courier-Journal, 15 Dec. 2024
  • Gold mining shaped early California and fast-tracked its status from territory to statehood, fueled by a population boom seeking glowing fortunes.
    Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Before this iteration of Shelley's tale, the first modern version of the myth, there hadn't been a horror film that so graphically indulged in gore and violence, in bright and shining color photography no less.
    Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 30 Oct. 2024
  • We’re devastated by the loss of our beautiful, sweet, kind, bright and shining star.
    Sean Neumann, Peoplemag, 5 Sep. 2024
Adjective
  • From marveling at the cherry blossom trees in bloom to soaking in the dazzling lights of Tokyo Tower, the family seemingly made sure to take in as many sights as possible.
    Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 17 Dec. 2024
  • Stroll through dazzling displays, shop at the holiday market, and catch holiday movies, fiestas and special events.
    Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • In sunny Germany, meanwhile, where solar panels are now cheaper than wood fencing, at least half a million apartment dwellers hung them from their balconies.
    Bill McKibben, The New Yorker, 13 Dec. 2024
  • And, for those who prefer to drink your holiday cocktails on a sunny beach, that’s always an option, too.
    Christina Pérez, Vogue, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Then, a few years ago, a friend presented me with a thick, shiny box—minimal in its design, no rococo flourishes or swoopy landscapes—and promised that this panettone would change my life.
    Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 15 Dec. 2024
  • Alongside Chalamet, his costar Elle Fanning wore red lips with a shiny custom Prada dress in butter yellow and jewels signed by Cartier.
    María Munsuri, Glamour, 14 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • In the book, the cynical green character successfully steals Christmas from his cheerful neighbors in Whoville — with help from his pet dog Max — and learns the true meaning of Christmas along the way.
    Athena Sobhan, People.com, 11 Dec. 2024
  • The days leading up to Christmas are some of the most special—when our homes are filled with twinkling lights, cheerful decorations, and the cozy, unmistakable feeling of holiday magic.
    Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 10 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near radiant

Cite this Entry

“Radiant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/radiant. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on radiant

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