Synonyms

shining

American

[shahy-ning] / ˈʃaɪ nɪŋ /

adjective

radiant; gleaming; bright.

Synonyms:

effulgent
resplendent; brilliant.

shining talents.

Synonyms:

lustrous
conspicuously fine.

a shining example.

Synonyms:

splendid, prime, eminent, distinguished, outstanding

Related Words

See bright.

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of shining

First recorded before 900; Middle English s(c)hininge, schininde, Old English scinende; see shine ¹, -ing ²

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.

There’s far more to the story than Spikevax, though Covid revenue was undeniably the shining star of the latest earnings report.

From Barron's • May 1, 2026

“I enjoy questioning authority and shining light on things people usually don’t look into.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 28, 2026

Your skin is slightly shining from perspiration, but you barely feel the heat because you get to enjoy the cold deliciousness of a frozen yogurt pop.

From Salon • Apr. 28, 2026

Electricity has to be available all the time - not just when the wind is blowing or the sun is shining.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

For with the thought of Karel—all shining round with love as thoughts of him had been since I was fourteen—came not the slightest trace of hurt.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023