shining 1 of 2

adjective

ˈshī-niŋ How to pronounce shining (audio)
Definition of shiningnext
as in glowing
giving off or reflecting much light the shining moon formed a nice backdrop for our outdoor concert

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

shining

2 of 2

verb

present participle of shine
1
as in beaming
to emit rays of light the sun appears to shine particularly brightly in summer because that is when it's closest to the Earth

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in polishing
to make smooth or glossy usually by repeatedly applying surface pressure the salesman shined his shoes every morning before leaving the house

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 shining
Adjective
Eloise's shining moment comes in Quinn's To Sir Phillip, With Love, and follows her love story with Sir Phillip Crane—yes, that Phillip, who married his late brother's true love Marina Thompson. — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 31 Jan. 2026 Not far away are the Pleiades, a beautiful shining star cluster that resembles a tiny Big Dipper. — Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 28 Dec. 2025
Verb
When the collards are fully grown but still rooted in the ground, with the sunlight shining above, the crop’s veins appear plum-colored, with large indigo-green leaves. — Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026 Serendipity in the form of misfortune is shining on the Democratic Party’s electoral prospects. — Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shining
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shining
  1. glowing
  2. beaming
  3. polishing
  4. luminous
  5. gleaming
  6. rubbing
  7. dazzling
  8. radiating
Adjective
  • So, if frequent skin treatments at clinics and spas are running up your credit card bill, Qure’s at-home system could be a solid (and more cost-efficient) alternative for getting glowing skin in the comfort of your own bathroom.
    — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Its bouncy, jelly-like texture sinks instantly into skin, revealing a glowing, soft complexion in the process.
    — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of glowing
Verb
  • Richard Schiff in particular, was just beaming at me in this warm and wonderful way.
    — Michael Schneider, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Their beautiful faces still fill 50-foot screens, beaming down on us.
    — Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of beaming
Verb
  • The Duchess of Edinburgh even got hands-on experience shaping and polishing a quartz gemstone.
    — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Before Bay Area readers start polishing their debate trophies, remember these studies are conversation starters, not final verdicts.
    — James Ward, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of polishing
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
Verb
  • Tokyo’s hospitality scene is as diverse as the city itself, a place of dizzying contrasts where ancient temples sit in the shadow of gleaming skyscrapers, and traditional craftsmanship juxtaposes cutting-edge technology.
    — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 30 Sep. 2026
  • My Instagram Discover page is a narcotic carousel of supple leather and gleaming metal.
    — Adam Erace, Fortune, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of gleaming
Verb
  • The bigger claim making the rounds, that a few minutes of face rubbing can quiet your body’s stress response, is where dermatologists urge a little caution.
    — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026
  • In this case, there’s no swiping or rubbing at all—just let the pads sit and soak in for a few minutes before gently patting in the excess.
    — Jenny Jin, Glamour, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of rubbing
Adjective
  • Food and drink Upon my arrival, I was wooed by the dazzling signature welcome cocktail made with gin, pineapple, herbal liqueur, and tamarind jamu.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The hardware is gorgeous, the display is dazzling, and the performance is great for productivity tasks.
    — Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of dazzling
Verb
  • In photos shared by celebrity hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos on September 19, the British lawyer could be seen radiating in a sunshine yellow sundress during a week-long trip to Malawi, Africa as part of a Clooney Foundation for Justice initiative.
    — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Barbara and Ibby forge a friendship that’s unexpectedly compelling because of the strength of the two actors, radiating an interiority that isn’t on the page.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of radiating

Browse Nearby Words

shininess
shining
shinned
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shining. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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