Synonyms for

Luminous

Verb / ˈlu:mʌnʌs / Another word for luminous — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Luminous means emitting or reflecting light, glowing, or shining.

Synonyms & similar words

lambent aglow lucent bright shining glowing radiant brilliant gleaming sparkling beaming dazzling lustrous incandescent flashing glimmering iridescent fluorescent phosphorescent effulgent resplendent lambent coruscating

Synonyms by register

Formal

radiant effulgent lustrous

Informal

bright shiny glowing

Literary

effulgent resplendent lambent

Antonyms

dark dim gloomy murky obscure shadowy unlit

Common collocations

  • luminous flux
  • luminous intensity
  • luminous dial
  • luminous paint
  • luminous body
  • luminous efficiency

Word family

noun luminosity
adjective luminous
adverb luminously

Usage note

Luminous primarily describes something that emits light, often with a soft or ethereal quality. It can also be used metaphorically for something that is brilliant or inspiring.

Example sentences

  1. The fireflies in the garden were very luminous.
  2. The sun was so luminous that it hurt my eyes.
  3. The neon sign was very luminous in the dark.
  4. The diamond on her finger was luminous and sparkling.
  5. The moon looked luminous in the night sky.

Quotes

  • The world is luminous, and every bit of it is a miracle. - Walt Whitman
  • The light which puts out our eyes is darkness to us. Only that day dawns to which we are awake. There is more day to dawn. The sun is but a morning star. - Henry David Thoreau
  • We are all broken and wounded in this world. Some choose to grow strong at the broken places. - Harold J. Duarte-Bernhardt

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