lustrous

adjective

ˈlə-strəs How to pronounce lustrous (audio)
Definition of lustrousnext
1
as in luminous
giving off or reflecting much light the lustrous finish on the satin bedspread adds to the feeling of luxury

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in polished
having a shiny surface or finish lustrous silver jewelry adorned her neck

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective lustrous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of lustrous are bright, brilliant, luminous, and radiant. While all these words mean "shining or glowing with light," lustrous stresses an even, rich light from a surface that reflects brightly without glittering.

When might bright be a better fit than lustrous?

The words bright and lustrous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bright implies emitting or reflecting a high degree of light.

When would brilliant be a good substitute for lustrous?

While the synonyms brilliant and lustrous are close in meaning, brilliant implies intense often sparkling brightness.

When is luminous a more appropriate choice than lustrous?

The synonyms luminous and lustrous are sometimes interchangeable, but luminous implies emission of steady, suffused, glowing light by reflection or in surrounding darkness.

When could radiant be used to replace lustrous?

The words radiant and lustrous can be used in similar contexts, but radiant stresses the emission or seeming emission of rays of light.

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 lustrous Shirai takes a striking visual approach with his film, shooting it in lustrous light and kind of sepia tones. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 31 Aug. 2026 This slip skirt is crafted in lustrous mulberry silk that’s — gasp! — Jamie Allison Sanders, PEOPLE, 29 Aug. 2026 The highly pigmented semi gloss deposits color—13 shades—that lasts up to eight washes, leaving behind lustrous hair. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 18 Aug. 2026 There are now more than 140 tree species commercialized as rosewoods, all with lustrous, dense and typically reddish wood. — Chenier Carpio Opua, The Conversation, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lustrous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lustrous
  1. luminous
  2. polished
  3. dazzling
  4. glistening
  5. shining
  6. glossy
  7. glowing
  8. sleek
Adjective
  • Healing Turmeric brings a luminous yellow-orange to the group.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The lightweight, slightly milky formula sank into my skin quickly without feeling sticky or heavy, leaving behind a luminous finish that made my complexion look fresher almost immediately.
    — Lucy Partington, Glamour, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of luminous
Adjective
  • The oval takes center stage in sculptural 14-karat yellow gold links, some polished to a high shine, others outlined in natural-diamond pavé.
    — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The shoes accented a simple and polished fall ensemble consisting of light green midi skirt, simple gray top and a dark button-down coat with a collar.
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of polished
Adjective
  • In North Georgia’s mountains, autumn already is transforming ridges, forests and streambanks into dazzling palettes of reds, yellows, maroons and deep oranges — all part of nature’s annual leaf color spectacle.
    — Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The Age of Innocence Edith Wharton, 1920 Wharton’s portrayal of 1870s New York society shows a world that is both dazzling and suffocating.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of dazzling
Adjective
  • Back in 2017, the family invested more than $100 million into the hotel in preparation of the 35th America’s Cup—an extensive multi-year renovation that shined up an already glistening property.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Instead, everyone in the main room is dancing under a glistening disco ball to the syncopations of Riva, a three-piece comprised of a psychedelic saxophonist, drummer and keyboardist.
    — Mary Carreon, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of glistening
Adjective
  • At a time of so much partisanship in Congress, especially related to health care, breakthrough legislation is a shining example of how commonsense policies that support patient care and innovation can achieve broad support.
    — Josh Makower, STAT, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Those memories will remain some of the most shining and unforgettable moments of my life.
    — Jeff Benjamin, Forbes.com, 12 Mar. 2026
Definition of shining
Adjective
  • The face is a glossy black plastic with the exterior lenses slightly protruding, keeping the front from looking like a single flat surface.
    — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Sézane’s Bridget grounds the silhouette in glossy black leather, with a streamlined knee-high construction that works particularly well against oversized tailoring and fluid skirts.
    — Camila Quimper, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of glossy
Adjective
  • After preparing the skin with Charlotte’s Magic Serum Crystal Elixir and Magic Cream, Giannetos created a glowing base using Airbrush Flawless Foundation, Airbrush Flawless Blur Concealer, and the Hollywood Contour Wand.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Lumbering wooden doors are pivoted open to reveal the breezy hotel lobby and create a view with layers of water, first the still ornamental pools, then the main central pool and finally the glowing Caribbean sea.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of glowing
Adjective
  • Keep the accessories sleek and minimal with a structured bag and barely-there flats.
    — Christina Holevas, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Featuring a sleek black column skirt and minimalist stilettos, the look, while pared-back, was far from boring thanks to a creamy sleeveless top with a voluminous feather-like hem.
    — Bianca Betancourt, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of sleek

Browse Nearby Words

lustrating
lustrous
lustrously
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Cite this Entry

“Lustrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lustrous. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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