radiance

noun

ra·​di·​ance ˈrā-dē-ən(t)s How to pronounce radiance (audio)
Synonyms of radiancenext
1
: the quality or state of being radiant
2
: a deep pink
3
: the flux density of radiant energy per unit solid angle and per unit projected area of radiating surface

Synonyms of radiance

Relevance
See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of radiance in a Sentence

She had a youthful radiance about her. Her face glowed with radiance. the radiance of the rising sun
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Most of all, Kay praises the formula for its smoothing and radiance-boosting effects, which can be chalked up to humectants like glycerin and propylene glycol, plus brightening Japanese persimmon leaf extract and camellia seed oil. — Jenny Berg, InStyle, 19 Aug. 2026 The red light therapy wand depuffs, smooths, and boosts radiance in three minutes, according to the brand. — Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 2026 My skin is clear and has an actually natural radiance to it without any makeup. — Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 31 July 2026 The botanical blend works to trigger collagen and elasticity to hydrate and firm while adding radiance and visibly fading scars. — Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for radiance

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of radiance was in 1593

Rhymes for radiance

See All Rhymes for radiance

Browse Nearby Words

radian
radiance
radiancy
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Radiance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/radiance. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

radiance

noun
ra·​di·​ance ˈrād-ē-ən(t)s How to pronounce radiance (audio)
: the quality or state of being radiant
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of devolve

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Commonly Misspelled Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Why do we say 'break a leg'?

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
alt-684346df967d5
Add A Letter Quiz Pick the letter that goes in the same spot in fou...
See All