SHINING Synonyms: 150 Similar and Opposite Words

shining 1 of 2

adjective

ˈshī-niŋ

Definition of shining

as in glowing

giving off or reflecting much light the shining moon formed a nice backdrop for our outdoor concert

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

shining

2 of 2

verb

present participle of shine

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

There was a full moon out that night and the light behind him was shining directly behind his head. — Tribune News Service, Hartford Courant, 20 Aug. 2026 Music City was shining a little brighter as country music royalty stepped out for a night of celebration. — Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shining

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shining

Adjective

Set the scene The lobby is a vast, bubble-era set piece—soaring double-height ceilings gridded with geometric lights, warm wood paneling, and a glowing staircase.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026
Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid delivers hydration and keeps skin smooth and glowing, plus there’s niacinamide and licorice extract to brighten and even the complexion.

— Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of glowing

Verb

Live Edit, Video Capture, and Formats Snap Pro 26 continues to build on past iterations' strengths by keeping what worked and further polishing it.

— Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026
Founders often spend too much time polishing the story when skeptical early adopters are looking for evidence of execution.

— Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of polishing

Adjective

To celebrate this milestone anniversary, Armani Beauty updated the formula for mature skin, infusing it with skincare ingredients that help to keep complexions luminous and plump during wear.

— Beth Sobol, Flow Space, 26 Aug. 2026
At the same time, the drops have suspended pigments that melt into the skin rather than sitting on top of it, creating a more even skin tone with a natural, slightly luminous finish.

— Jenny Berg, Vogue, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of luminous

Verb

This is near the end of an extensive tour of the enormous, gleaming vessel.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
Only guests in the larger rooms gain access to the rooftop, with its heated pool, and the Vault bar, arguably the highlight of the whole affair, cocooned among 3,000 gleaming safe deposit boxes.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of gleaming

Verb

Rubbing Alcohol Head to the drug store for a bottle of 70% isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol to clean windows.

— Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 29 Aug. 2026
The redyed fabrics showed uniform color uptake and washing and rubbing fastness comparable to the reference fabric, according to the study.

— Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of rubbing

Adjective

Williams and Alcaraz, who were both returning from injuries, wowed fans with dazzling rallies and impassioned play in an opening-round win before they were knocked out in the quarterfinals.

— Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2026
Two New York City icons shone a dazzling pink last night in honor of another icon, the great Dolly Parton, who died yesterday following a brief battle with cancer.

— Greg Evans, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of dazzling

Verb

The map shows other towers close by, each radiating a string that is fastened to the map when other towers radio in readings.

— Robert Sullivan, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
The first breathtaking photos of totality for the total solar eclipse 2026 are pouring in, revealing incredible views of the sun's atmosphere radiating out from behind the moon's colossal silhouette.

— Anthony Wood, Space.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of radiating

Browse Nearby Words

shininess

shining

shinned

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Cite this Entry

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“Shining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shining. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of shining

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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