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 While making skin smooth and dewy, body oils leave behind a lustrous glow wherever applied—and per De. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 27 May 2026 This is why many pregnant women notice a particularly thick and lustrous mane. — Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 16 June 2026 There’s an understated lavishness; no celebrity interior designers have been let loose and rooms have a lustrous palette of pinks, yellows and blues. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 May 2026 The design house has collaborated with esteemed names ranging from Zaha Hadid to Verner Panton and is best known for its lustrous silver tabletop pieces. — Angela Tafoya, Architectural Digest, 23 June 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • The skirt’s front slit detail looks polished, while allowing for easy movement and extra breathability.
    — Melony Forcier, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
  • Go for a pair in neutral colors or polished finishes—they'll have the same vibe without feeling so over-the-top.
    — René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 3 July 2026
Definition of polished
Adjective
  • First, look out for the dazzling trio of stars that form the famous Summer Triangle asterism.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 2 July 2026
  • Her dazzling performances brought home gold for the stars and stripes, all while capturing the hearts of fans worldwide.
    — Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of dazzling
Adjective
  • The base is a matte cat-eye, but the whole design is finished with a shiny top coat for a glistening melted-Popsicle effect.
    — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 6 July 2026
  • The 75,000 square foot, multi-level space attracts world famous DJs and guests and exists as a glistening jewel in the crown of Caesars Palace’s broad range of entertainment venues.
    — Brad Japhe, Forbes.com, 5 July 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
  • This pair features round toes, convenient heel tabs, and glossy patent-leather uppers.
    — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 3 July 2026
  • His brow is porcelain-smooth and suffused with light, his locks glossy and curled, his nose straight and regular.
    — Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 3 July 2026
Definition of glossy
Adjective
  • The trailer opens with a montage of a glowing Lily (Lively) walking through Boston.
    — Alyssa Rotunno, InStyle, 4 July 2026
  • Its light is rather that of a glowing molten metal than that of a burning furnace.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 3 July 2026
Definition of glowing
Adjective
  • The sleek outfit borrowed many of the elements that Shields has relied on for years.
    — Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
  • This rehearsal dinner look may offer a preview of the glamour still to come, but Gomez's sleek bun has already earned its place among the weekend's standout beauty moments.
    — Marci Robin, Allure, 3 July 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on lustrous

Nglish: Translation of lustrous for Spanish Speakers

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