luminaries

NOUN

very important person

Synonyms

STRONGEST

celebrity dignitary notable personage superstar

STRONG

VIP eminence leader lion name notability personality somebody star worthy

WEAK

big name celeb

Antonyms

STRONG

nobody

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.

Located in the Berkshires, in Massachusetts, IMS has welcomed luminaries like the Dalai Lama to its grounds, which includes three dormitories and a forest retreat amid acres of well-maintained trails.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 23, 2026

Here’s an idea for next year’s opening night gala: Reassemble these luminaries for a concert version of a musical and watch them scale new heights together.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 22, 2026

Other luminaries, including Benjamin Franklin, participated in Richmond’s “network.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 2026

When I started The Swell newsletter last December, I wanted the bonus culture recommendation to start with Salon’s staff before incorporating other experts, journalists and industry luminaries as guests.

From Salon • Jun. 6, 2026

Inside that circle are the homes of Raphael, Michelangelo, Botticelli—and the list of luminaries goes on.

From "The Mona Lisa Vanishes" by Nicholas Day