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

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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 results in a nova, or a brilliant outburst of light, including X-rays. Keith Cooper, Space.com, 20 Feb. 2025 The Tourist Netflix Yellowjackets Years: 2021– Length: 2 seasons, 19 episodes Creator: Ashley Lyle, Bart Nickerson Even fans would admit that the sophomore slump stung this Showtime hit, but that’s in part because the first season was so unabashedly brilliant. Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 19 Feb. 2025 Its plans to partner with Alibaba and Baidu on artificial intelligence features is brilliant and could stoke demand for the iPhone 16. Jim Cramer, CNBC, 18 Feb. 2025 That would already warrant a warm welcome, but the entire necklace featured more than 2,300 diamonds in pear, brilliant and baguette cuts in a white gold ribbon that frames the neck. Lily Templeton, WWD, 10 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for brilliant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brilliant
Adjective
  • Our configuration delivers fast processing, steady gaming performance, long battery life, a dazzling display, and a luxury build.
    Matthew Buzzi, PCMAG, 22 Feb. 2025
  • To experience the idyllic beauty of the city at its best, visitors can embark on a leisurely cruise atop Lake Pichola, basking in the splendor of the surrounding buildings and then docking at the island of Jag Mandir to enjoy a dazzling sunset.
    Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • More News: William Byron Just Pulled Off a Daytona 500 Feat Only Four Others Have Speaking about the incident in an interview, Byron seemed amused by the clever digital jest.
    Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 22 Feb. 2025
  • The clever critters have apparently learned that the sewers are safer than busy roads.
    Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Biden also commuted the sentences of most of the inmates on federal death row, and pardoned prominent figures including the late civil rights leader Marcus Garvey.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2025
  • The Padres, with their most prominent player back at 100 percent, can at least look forward to starting over.
    Dennis Lin, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • This season not only revisits the familiar paths of America’s hidden gems and urban adventures but also spotlights sustainable travel, culinary-centric itineraries and culturally rich experiences.
    Laura Begley Bloom, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
  • New perk: Easily find new routes and hidden gems, upcoming running events, and more near you.
    Jen Murphy, Outside Online, 24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Key Ingredients: Shea butter, avocado oil, orange peel wax Finish: Available in luminous or natural finishes Shades: 12 How to apply: Ilia keeps matters simple with its multi-stick: swipe, blend, and go.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2025
  • But in Ravel’s solo works, which across decades of composition contain both the evocative broad strokes of impressionism and the luminous specificity of pointillism, his approach can have mixed results.
    Joshua Barone, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The application can generate unit test cases, propose intelligent code fixes and answer some coding queries, including refactoring.
    Bankim Chandra, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
  • Any edge comes from their regular scene partners: Wilson’s believably unpleasant demeanor, Bratt’s vulnerable charm, Scott’s lo-fi depression and, most appealingly, Driver’s intelligent wariness.
    Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • It’s been noticeable how much instruction the team has been giving Campbell, including manager Alex Cora, infield coach José Flores, Bregman and Trevor Story.
    Jen McCaffrey, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025
  • The lighter weight is definitely noticeable, which coupled with the rounded corners make the phone much more comfortable to hold.
    Ben Sin, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The dominate theme this year was creatively designed jewels made with colored gems, followed by diamond jewels for engagement rings, wedding bands and large statement pieces.
    Anthony DeMarco, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
  • What might’ve seemed pithy or condescending in another movie becomes downright gorgeous, as each interviewee is bathed in monochromatic light, and shines like a precious jewel.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 18 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Brilliant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brilliant. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

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