brilliance

noun

bril·​liance ˈbril-yən(t)s How to pronounce brilliance (audio)
Synonyms of brilliancenext
: the quality or state of being brilliant

Synonyms

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Examples of brilliance in a Sentence

The professor was known for his brilliance. the brilliance of a diamond
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.
This is reissue as excavation, revealing new layers of brilliance in an album that already felt limitless. — Darryn King, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025 While other fashion capitals had moments of brilliance, Paris stood out for its ability to merge artistry with wearability, offering collections that felt exciting yet deeply rooted in craftsmanship. — Rhonda Richford, WWD, 12 Mar. 2025 Both showed flashes of brilliance in 2024, with Fields posting a 4-2 record before he was replaced by Wilson. — William Lambers, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025 Nyoni’s brilliance is in portraying the gap between public and private, past and present, as spaces where submerged feelings awkwardly co-exist, leaving nobody able to feel truly whole. — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for brilliance

Word History

First Known Use

1748, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of brilliance was in 1748

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brilliance
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Cite this Entry

“Brilliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brilliance. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

brilliance

noun
bril·​liance ˈbril-yən(t)s How to pronounce brilliance (audio)
: the quality or state of being brilliant

More from Merriam-Webster on brilliance

Nglish: Translation of brilliance for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about brilliance

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