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

Bruce Springsteen, Barry Manilow, Patti Smith and Carlos Santana are among the music luminaries mourning the death of mogul Clive Davis, who died Monday at the age of 94. — Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 22 June 2026 Agassi, Nadal, Pete Sampras, Boris Becker, and Jim Courier are among the tennis luminaries participating in the Djokovic documentary. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 26 June 2026

Adjective

Her royal debut during the royal reception for the most luminary names in Balearic society on Monday evening. — Ben Jureidini, Glamour, 5 Aug. 2025 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

The garment, rooted in West Asian culture, has been embraced with open arms by resortwear for decades, especially once it was brought into Western fashion in the 1950s by stars like Elizabeth Taylor and Jacqueline Kennedy.

— Katherine J Igoe, InStyle, 2 July 2026
All three games of series were sellouts — a testament to the fandom of the two-time defending World Series champions and the team’s international baseball star, Ohtani.

— Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of star

Noun

When King asked if the unnamed celebrity was the one, Brown didn't hesitate.

— Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 1 July 2026
While Terenzio believes secrecy is essential for any celebrity wedding, she isn't convinced Madison Square Garden would actually host Swift and Kelce's ceremony.

— Lauryn Overhultz , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of celebrity

Adjective

While not a new concept, this K-beauty term for clear, poreless, luminous, and seemingly transparent skin continues to be the gold standard for beauty editors and, well, everyone else.

— Sarah Han, Allure, 6 July 2026
In person, Monaghan has that same easy warmth and luminous glow.

— Mara Santilli, Flow Space, 2 July 2026

Definition of luminous

Noun

With this capability, Rubin can reveal details of the cosmos across an enormous range of scales, from distant galaxies, to individual stars, to the wispy clouds of dust spread throughout our galaxy.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
This nebula, found in our own Milky Way galaxy, is a vast region of gas and dust surrounding a dense concentration of massive stars.

— Brett Tingley, Space.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of galaxy

Noun

The last decade has been an absolute whirlwind for the 38-year-old film school graduate, who could have never dreamed of the success he’s enjoyed as a YouTube personality with over 10 million subscribers (and counting).

— Josh Weiss, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
The result is a look that's fashion-forward and personality-filled, never overdone.

— Amanda Le, InStyle, 2 July 2026

Definition of personality

Adjective

The massive illuminated sign, which hung outside New York City's Ed Sullivan Theater throughout Colbert's nearly 11-year run as host, was purchased at auction earlier this year and now sits on the rooftop of WeHo Bistro.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 30 June 2026
The front end features a more upright stance dominated by the illuminated BMW Iconic Glow kidney grille, while new 'double-X' daytime running lights give the SUV a distinctive lighting signature.

— Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of illuminated

Noun

The terrain is rocky, with vineyards clinging to steep limestone slopes, simultaneously warmed by the sun and cooled by salty Adriatic breezes.

— Tia Lovisa Moreira, Travel + Leisure, 2 July 2026
Other methods to reduce the harm from sweltering temperatures include more breaks and flexible shifts so workers can avoid the midday sun, according to the WHO.

— Christopher Cann, USA Today, 2 July 2026

Definition of sun

Noun

After months of uncertainty, two dignitaries from rival lands have come forward to press their claims.

— Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2026
During his first term, he was criticized for owning properties where foreign dignitaries and others hoping to curry his favor spent lavishly.

— Nicholas Riccardi, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of luminary

noun

adjective

Example Sentences

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