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

That event also included many tech luminaries, such as Tim Cook, formerly Apple’s CEO, and Musk. — Will Weissert, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026 Upstairs at the Van Dyke, as it was known, drew jazz luminaries like Freddy Cole (Natalie’s uncle), Toots Thielemans, Randy Brecker and Branford Marsalis. — Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2026

Adjective

All three bars take their places alongside other luminary bars in the Bay Area, Southern California, Seattle, Denver, Phoenix and Maui. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 2026 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

And the pop star has been collecting some major co-signs along the way.

— Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 6 Oct. 2026
In his first role following his military service, Song Kang (Sweet Home) stars as Kang Pi-o, the perfectionist grandson of a renowned maestro whose mother pushes him to be the very best.

— Kayti Burt, Time, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of star

Noun

Florence Pugh, Mariska Hargitay, Hudson Williams, Josh Gad and more celebrities have used their platforms to condemn the case in recent weeks.

— Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
Embassies, banks, and big-name retailers share the neighborhood with this member of The Leading Hotels of the World, whose guest list includes big celebrities and diplomats.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of celebrity

Adjective

Pearlescent particles provide an instant soft-focus glow, giving skin a brighter, more luminous look.

— Sheryl George, Allure, 5 Oct. 2026
Mariel Barrera kept the makeup soft and luminous save for a siren smoky that added some of that SJP spirit, while Gina Eppolito handled the blush ballerina pink nails.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of luminous

Noun

The Nobel committee said his work was instrumental to the construction of the IceCube Neutrino Observatory in Antarctica, which glimpsed the first high-energy neutrinos from faraway galaxies.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026
Instead of projecting random stars, the Pococo Galaxy Projector uses projection discs to fill the room with gorgeous, sharp images of planets, galaxies and much more.

— Chris McMullen, Space.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of galaxy

Noun

Even when Monét isn’t being quite as playful as on past releases, her personality sparkles brighter than her esteemed guests.

— Molly Mary O’Brien, Pitchfork, 7 Oct. 2026
The hotel’s personality is spelled out by the stores in the mall it’s connected to—all upscale, all chic.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of personality

Noun

Once the sun sets, the Three Jewels, one of the five bars, is the place to head for.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
The Sydney emblem design contained representations of famous landmarks including the Sydney Opera House, the city's famous harbor and beaches, as well as boomerangs, sun and rocks.

— ABC News, ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of sun

Noun

By the late 1800s, the resort was a favorite destination for US Presidents (23 presidents have visited the property), foreign dignitaries and global business leaders.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
The pop-up was up for three days to coincide with United Nations general assembly meeting, which saw the convergence of world leaders, dignitaries and CEOs on the city.

— Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 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 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of luminary

noun

adjective

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