incandescence

noun

ˌin-kən-ˈde-sᵊn(t)s How to pronounce incandescence (audio)
Definition of incandescencenext
as in glow
the steady giving off of the form of radiation that makes vision possible candles made from whale oil were once highly prized because they burned with an incandescence superior to that of other candles

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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 incandescence With her talent, incandescence and an underlying vulnerability, Monroe went on to become one of the most enduring stars of all time — with all kinds of stories attached to her legacy. — Kc Baker, PEOPLE, 6 May 2026 Deeper within the planet, though, the surface might be emanating a faint red, due to incandescence resulting from being baked by its star. — Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Apr. 2025 Like with incandescent light bulbs, the electrical current enters the socket and travels to a tungsten filament, heating up the filament to incandescence. — Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 5 Feb. 2025 With a name chosen to suggest incandescence, Candente’s grills sear fajitas made from prime skirt steak and ribeye infused with the unmistakable nuances infused by the distinctively strong, smoky, earthy flavors of mesquite smoke. — Claudia Alarcón, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for incandescence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incandescence
  1. glow
  2. glare
  3. light
  4. gleam
  5. illumination
Noun
  • Hobaiter and Dominy support this idea with half a dozen claims that could, in principle, be tested, lending some scientific credence to the idea that complex human speech was selected for in the warm glow of a crackling campfire.
    — Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
  • While not dimmable, the shade is thick enough to keep the glow from feeling too harsh or bright.
    — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of glow
Noun
  • In living rooms, televisions are often placed in locations where ambient light from the windows can cause visible glare.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The concept is basically like a solar eclipse; a coronagraph blocks out the glare of a star such that anything around that star can come into focus.
    — Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of glare
Noun
  • In a corner of the park designed for 2 to 5-year-olds, colorful faux-houses named after units of electricity (volts, ohms, watts and amps) feature fake solar panels and buttons which activate sound effects and control small lights.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The scientists gave participants blind taste tests, then scanned their brains during tastings that involved cues such as flashes of light or pictures of a Coke or Pepsi can.
    — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of light
Noun
  • The main camera is positioned so that Big Bear Lake gleams in the background, changing hue throughout the day.
    — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Meanwhile, Tucuma-seed and buriti oils soften the skin and boost its radiance for a subtle, youthful gleam.
    — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 17 July 2026
Definition of gleam
Noun
  • Neighborhood Roppongi has long been a haven for expats, and the creation of Roppongi Hills two decades ago has further enlivened the area with luxury boutiques, apartments, restaurants and a compelling holiday illumination.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Artificial nighttime illumination can alter the behavior of migratory birds, insects and other nocturnal species that rely on moonlight and starlight to navigate, feed and reproduce, the coalition says.
    — Jean Lee, NBC news, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of illumination

Browse Nearby Words

in camera
incandescence
incandescences
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Cite this Entry

“Incandescence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incandescence. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on incandescence

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about incandescence

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