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Definitions

luminous

[loo-muh-nuhs] / ˈlu mə nəs /
ADJECTIVE
bright, glowing
Synonyms
STRONGEST
brilliant incandescent lucid lustrous radiant shining translucent vivid
WEAK
beaming clear crystal effulgent fulgent illuminated lambent lighted lit lucent luminescent refulgent resplendent transparent
Antonyms
STRONGEST
cloudy dark dim dull gloomy
WEAK
obscure unclear unintelligible vague
ADJECTIVE
obvious, understandable
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bright brilliant lucid
WEAK
apprehensible clear comprehendible comprehensible evident fathomable graspable intelligible knowable perspicacious perspicuous
Antonyms
STRONGEST
cloudy dark dull gloomy murky normal obscure stupid typical unaware unintelligent
WEAK
dim unclear unintelligible vague

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The event was exceptionally bright, and its light was further amplified by the gravity of a galaxy along the line of sight, making the distant explosion appear even more luminous.

From Science Daily • Mar. 16, 2026

The eyes, large and luminous, always stand out.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

A luminous outline of Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores loomed over Caracas against the night sky in January.

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2026

Sea silk became famous for its luminous gold appearance, light weight, and remarkable strength, earning the nickname "legendary silk."

From Science Daily • Feb. 9, 2026

When we got there, the sun was a luminous orange globe touching the horizon.

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.