LUMINARY Synonyms: 102 Similar and Opposite Words

luminary 1 of 2

noun

ˈlü-mə-ˌner-ē

Definition of luminary

as in star

a ball-shaped gaseous celestial body that shines by its own light awed by the vast number of luminaries in the night sky

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in celebrity

a person who is widely known and usually much talked about luminaries from the worlds of sports, entertainment, and politics were at the gala

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

luminary

2 of 2

adjective

as in luminous

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 luminary

Noun

Trump’s close ties to sports luminaries have helped him on the campaign trail and are paying off this summer, with the Senate scheduled for its first votes on the bill next month. — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 11 Aug. 2026 Jamison also didn’t put anyone who played before 1974 on his team, leaving out older luminaries like Charlie Scott, Bobby Jones, Walter Davis, Bob McAdoo, Billy Cunningham and Lennie Rosenbluth. — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 11 Aug. 2026

Adjective

All three bars take their places alongside other luminary bars in the Bay Area, Southern California, Seattle, Denver, Phoenix and Maui. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 2026 A lot of neighborhoods have luminary traditions that involve lining DIY paper lanterns along the streets and pathways. — Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 11 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for luminary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for luminary

Noun

Brad Pitt sent a message to George Clooney as the Michael Clayton star was honored Wednesday at the Venice International Film Festival.

— Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026
Marchese spent the past 12 years as a senior executive at Studio71, another creator media firm that handled distribution and advertising sales representation for a range of digital-native stars.

— William Earl, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of star

Noun

Johnson looked to Tracey Cunningham—the celebrity colorist and Schwarzkopf Professional US creative director of color and technique—for the job.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 2 Sep. 2026
Its celebrity pedigree is astonishing (spokespersons and fans include Jane Fonda, Martha Stewart, Andie MacDowell, Heidi Klum, etc), its offerings are robust, and many, if not most of its products, are five-star successes.

— Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of celebrity

Adjective

To celebrate this milestone anniversary, Armani Beauty updated the formula for mature skin, infusing it with skincare ingredients that help to keep complexions luminous and plump during wear.

— Beth Sobol, Flow Space, 26 Aug. 2026
At the same time, the drops have suspended pigments that melt into the skin rather than sitting on top of it, creating a more even skin tone with a natural, slightly luminous finish.

— Jenny Berg, Vogue, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of luminous

Noun

Rogue stars could be the answer The key to this mystery could lie in the fact that most stars don't orbit the centers of their galaxies where supermassive black holes dwell alone, instead existing in binary partnerships.

— Robert Lea, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026
If the Fermi Explorer mission can knock down a couple of the filters that might explain the Fermi paradox, that only leaves a few options for why our galaxy appears not to be littered with alien civilizations.

— Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of galaxy

Noun

As a talk-show host and media personality, her sometimes petulant, relentlessly flirtatious energy was a thrilling throwback to the likes of Rosie O’Donnell or Alan Carr’s chat shows.

— Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026
One aspect of Eloise’s personality that her parents and brother treasure the most is her connection with animals, from family pets to the deer and horses roaming on the ranch.

— Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of personality

Adjective

From the Rodeo Drive entrance, the store opens into a bright accessories area where handbags are spaced along illuminated stone shelves and glass-and-metal vitrines.

— Miles Socha, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026
The team's official drumline, The Pack, pounded on illuminated drums during quarter breaks, while Skye, the team's sassy, blue-haired lioness mascot, jumped onto the T-shirt cannon to launch souvenir merchandise high into stadium seats.

— Odette Yousef, NPR, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of illuminated

Noun

We are used to the street closures, the factory shutdowns, the restrictions on driving and internet access during Communist Party conferences, international summits, Tiananmen Square military parades, and the visits of foreign dignitaries.

— Jonathan Flint, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026
Barbers and tattoo artists prepared to become drivers for delegates and student volunteers to usher dignitaries.

— ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of dignitary

Browse Nearby Words

luminaries

luminary

luminesce

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“Luminary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luminary. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of luminary

noun

adjective

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