brilliant 1 of 2

1
2
as in clever
having or showing quickness of mind a brilliant boy who left for college at the age of 16

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3

brilliant

2 of 2

noun

as in gem
a usually valuable stone cut and polished for ornament the diamond cutter set out an array of brilliants to show the various ways the diamond could be cut

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective brilliant differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of brilliant are bright, luminous, lustrous, and radiant. While all these words mean "shining or glowing with light," brilliant implies intense often sparkling brightness.

When could bright be used to replace brilliant?

While in some cases nearly identical to brilliant, bright implies emitting or reflecting a high degree of light.

When is it sensible to use luminous instead of brilliant?

While the synonyms luminous and brilliant are close in meaning, luminous implies emission of steady, suffused, glowing light by reflection or in surrounding darkness.

When would lustrous be a good substitute for brilliant?

The words lustrous and brilliant can be used in similar contexts, but lustrous stresses an even, rich light from a surface that reflects brightly without glittering.

Where would radiant be a reasonable alternative to brilliant?

Although the words radiant and brilliant have much in common, radiant stresses the emission or seeming emission of rays of light.

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 brilliant
Adjective
This is a brilliant time to relaunch a brand, share your story, or start a conversation that shifts everything. Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 30 June 2025 Her brilliant smile, whiter even than the creamy frosting of that tiered Chantilly wedding cake. Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 30 June 2025 Original price: $249.99 The Roku Smart TV 43-inch Select Series 4K HDR is known for its brilliant picture and straightforward streaming capabilities. Jené Luciani Sena May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 30 June 2025 Captain Reece James opened the scoring in the 64th minute with a brilliant free kick from the left wing — a low, curling strike that slipped inside the near post past Trubin, who left just enough of a window exposed. Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 29 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for brilliant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brilliant
Adjective
  • Music City is gearing up to celebrate Independence Day with another dazzling fireworks display and concert.
    Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 4 July 2025
  • The Fourth of July, also referred to as Independence Day, has been celebrated across the United States since 1776 — and nearly 250 years later, big cities, small towns, counties and states alike continue to cap off the night with dazzling displays of fireworks.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • Light, clever, and just leftfield enough to feel like a proper find.
    Lela London, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Dubno’s novel sounds equally thoughtful and nasty, clever and juicy and full of great drama.
    Literary Hub July 1, Literary Hub, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • However, the picture wall, which originally served as the fort’s private entrance, is one of the most prominent architectural features of the site and is partly responsible for its ‘world heritage’ listing.
    Sonya Rehman, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
  • The largest and most prominent piece in the exhibit, which runs through Oct. 19, is not by its main subject, 18th century artist George Romney.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • Now’s your chance to save on all sorts of smart home improvement gems—no coupon needed.
    Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 8 July 2025
  • Richard Burton purchased the 33.19-carat, flawless gem for his then-wife in 1968.
    Angela Andaloro, People.com, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • No white cast, no excessive rubbing—just luminous skin that’s shielded by SPF45 protection.
    Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 10 July 2025
  • Ali had ceased looking towards the horizon long before the luminous blue of it became a mock memory.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • Operation Bounce House follows Oliver Lewis, a colonist on the planet New Sonora, who leads a simple life on his family ranch, playing with his band and tending to his family's selection of intelligent agriculture bots.
    Rachel Raposas, People.com, 14 July 2025
  • Although not specifically marketed as a pet camera, the Eufy E220 is a budget-friendly indoor home security camera packed with typically more high-end features, including remote pan and tilt, sharp 2K video footage, automatic motion tracking, and intelligent motion and sound detection.
    Cierra Cowan July 11, PC Magazine, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • The ribbed texture is noticeable, but not too thick, and the contouring on the back and front could not be more flattering.
    Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2025
  • The team issued an advisory noting that residents in nearby communities may see a noticeable increase in smoke July 5 coming from the southwest flank of the Oak Ridge Fire.
    Arlyssa D. Becenti, AZCentral.com, 5 July 2025
Noun
  • However, the jewel of the hotel is its shimmering heated saltwater pool.
    Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2025
  • Kardashian's jewels also featured two Lorraine Schwartz necklaces with approximately 250 carats of diamonds.
    Catherine Santino, People.com, 9 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Brilliant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brilliant. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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