Illustration of brilliant
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bril·liant
ˈbril-yənt 
1
: very bright : glittering
a brilliant light
2
a
: striking, distinctive
a brilliant example
b
: distinguished by unusual mental keenness or alertness
brilliant scientists
3
British
: very good : excellent
brilliantly
adverb
: a gem (such as a diamond) cut in a particular form with numerous facets so as to have special brightness or brilliance
Synonyms
Examples of brilliant in a Sentence
Adjective
a brilliant star in the sky
a store decorated in brilliant colors
He pitched a brilliant game.
She gave a brilliant performance.
She has a brilliant mind.
Noun
the diamond cutter set out an array of brilliants to show the various ways the diamond could be cut
Recent Examples on the Web
Rachel Corbett, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2024
The series’ third, and final, season concluded in 2023 with a brilliant sendoff—and the whole series is available to watch now.
—Jennifer M. Wood, WIRED, 5 Nov. 2024
Juve came close to equalising no fewer than four times, a brilliant save from Lucas Chevalier denied a Vlahovic volley after a Manuel Locatelli cross, while defender Aissa Mandi somehow blocked Kenan Yildiz’s effort at the back post on the resulting corner.
—Adam Digby, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
In the two-minute offense, quarterback Baker Mayfield led a brilliant 71-yard touchdown drive, capped by a 1-yard scoring pass to Ryan Miller.
—Kevin Dotson, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for brilliant 
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Adjective
In his mind, Wiley was a brilliant eccentric whose lifestyle seemed somehow exempt from social norms.
—Rachel Corbett, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2024
The series’ third, and final, season concluded in 2023 with a brilliant sendoff—and the whole series is available to watch now.
—Jennifer M. Wood, WIRED, 5 Nov. 2024
Juve came close to equalising no fewer than four times, a brilliant save from Lucas Chevalier denied a Vlahovic volley after a Manuel Locatelli cross, while defender Aissa Mandi somehow blocked Kenan Yildiz’s effort at the back post on the resulting corner.
—Adam Digby, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
In the two-minute offense, quarterback Baker Mayfield led a brilliant 71-yard touchdown drive, capped by a 1-yard scoring pass to Ryan Miller.
—Kevin Dotson, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for brilliant
Dictionary Entries Near brilliant
Cite this Entry
“Brilliant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brilliant. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
brilliant
1 of 2 adjective
bril·liant
ˈbril-yənt
1
: flashing with light : very bright
brilliant jewels
2
a
: very impressive
a brilliant career
b
: very smart or clever
a brilliant student
a brilliant idea
brilliantly
adverb
brilliant
2 of 2 noun
: a gem (as a diamond) cut so as to sparkle
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