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 The tiny principality has a radiant glow and everything there seems to sparkle. —

Caroline Reid, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024 This provides gentle exfoliation, breaking down dead cells that exacerbate the appearance of dark spots as well as fine lines and enlarged pores for more radiant skin. —

Emily Orofino, Allure, 24 Oct. 2024 Taylor Swift and the Kansas City Chiefs WAGs looked radiant in new photos from their evening at Arrowhead Stadium for Monday Night Football. —

Natasha Dye, People.com, 8 Oct. 2024 At that altitude, groves of aspen and willow trees were radiant with fall color, filling creek beds and high mountain slopes with a riot of glorious hues seen once a year here and only for a week or so. —

Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for radiant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for radiant

Adjective

To be clear, Europe has plenty of strong universities and bright minds, but its draconian laws stifle its own growth.

Frank Holmes, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Avoid any bright light as this will affect your night vision.

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024