bright 1 of 2

adjective

ˈbrīt How to pronounce bright (audio)
Definition of brightnext
1
as in shining
giving off or reflecting much light in the desert the sun was so bright that it hurt my eyes the moon is bright tonight

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2
as in illuminated
filled with much light the display windows of department stores are especially bright at Christmastime

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3
as in cheerful
having or showing a good mood or disposition always walks into work with a bright smile on his face

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4
as in intelligent
having or showing quickness of mind a company that is always looking for bright, ambitious college graduates

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5
as in promising
having qualities which inspire hope predicted a bright future for the young math whiz

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6
as in favorable
pointing toward a happy outcome all the signs are bright right now for an economic boom

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7
as in cheering
serving to lift one's spirits a bright and beautiful morning to begin planting our garden

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8
as in outstanding
standing above others in rank, importance, or achievement a bright new star on the operatic scene

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9
as in radiant
having or being an outward sign of good feelings (as of love, confidence, or happiness) a room full of summer interns with bright, eager faces

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10
as in sunny
not stormy or cloudy we'll have a picnic on the next bright day

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bright

2 of 2

adverb

as in brightly
in a manner marked by the shining or reflecting of much light the storm passed, and once again the sun shone bright

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For
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bright colors
vivid colors
vibrant colors
brilliant colors
bold colors
loud colors
a bright day
a sunny day
a clear day
a brilliant day
a dazzling day
a sunshiny day
a bright future
a good future
a hopeful future
a brilliant future
a vibrant future
a sunny future
bright students
smart students
intelligent students
sharp students
brilliant students
brainy students

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective bright differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of bright are brilliant, luminous, lustrous, and radiant. While all these words mean "shining or glowing with light," bright implies emitting or reflecting a high degree of light.

When is brilliant a more appropriate choice than bright?

While the synonyms brilliant and bright are close in meaning, brilliant implies intense often sparkling brightness.

In what contexts can luminous take the place of bright?

While in some cases nearly identical to bright, luminous implies emission of steady, suffused, glowing light by reflection or in surrounding darkness.

When would lustrous be a good substitute for bright?

The meanings of lustrous and bright largely overlap; however, lustrous stresses an even, rich light from a surface that reflects brightly without glittering.

When might radiant be a better fit than bright?

Although the words radiant and bright 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 bright
Adjective
Numerous expansive windows let in natural light so the interior living space is bright. — David Caraccio, Sacramento Bee, 22 Mar. 2025 Thanks to a skylight that pours sunshine all the way down, every floor feels bright and connected. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 21 Mar. 2025 The color is brighter and motion is smoother in sports mode. — Christopher Murray, Fox News, 21 Mar. 2025 Each sandwich is finished with a spoonful of bright and spicy tomato sauce. — Lindsey Tramuta, Bon Appétit, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bright
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bright
  1. shining
  2. cheerful
  3. intelligent
  4. promising
  5. favorable
  6. outstanding
  7. radiant
  8. sunny
Adjective
  • The real shining gem of Pokémon's eighth generation was Legends: Arceus.
    — Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Sure, the Currys should get another stab at it on Monday, when the Warriors make their annual trek to Charlotte and Steph Curry’s yearly shining moment in uptown takes place.
    — Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 26 Feb. 2025
Definition of shining
Adjective
  • Leaders who rely too heavily on a cheerful facade risk creating a culture where pressing issues go unaddressed.
    — Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
  • Save: La Santa Open for lunch and dinner, this restaurant offers tacos, enchiladas, and other Mexican favorites in a cheerful, modern space.
    — Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 23 Mar. 2025
Definition of cheerful
Adjective
  • Recognizing team members regularly enhances your emotional intelligence (EI) and creates a more emotionally intelligent workplace.
    — Luciana Paulise, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Mechanical arms work on the production line of electronic products for new-energy vehicles in an intelligent workshop at a factory in the high-tech industrial park on February 6, 2025 in Fengcheng, Jiangxi Province of China.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of intelligent
Adjective
  • One promising method for addressing this demand is through collaborations between individuals and brands.
    — Rafael Schwarz, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Tenacious when tackling and unafraid of a high-intensity sprint (whether getting forward or tracking back), he is considered a promising talent.
    — Carl Anka, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of promising
Adjective
  • As the Trump administration continues to pursue a deal to end the war in Ukraine — one that may end up being more favorable to Moscow than Kyiv — Europeans, for the first time in decades, are focusing on their own military might.
    — Sebastian Shukla, CNN, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Since February, the share of Democrats who have a very or somewhat favorable view of the Senate minority leader has plummeted from 57% to 39%, according to a March 19 YouGov/Economist poll.
    — Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of favorable
Adjective
  • The show was also a huge hit, scoring 61 Emmy nominations in just three seasons, and winning 13, including outstanding comedy series.
    — Keith Langston, People.com, 23 Mar. 2025
  • One person was arrested at the scene of the search for outstanding warrants and a drug charge unrelated to the original case, according to the statement.
    — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Mar. 2025
Definition of outstanding
Adjective
  • The custom engagement ring is a 2 carat, elongated radiant natural diamond on a 14-karat yellow gold band Gary Striewski is gearing up to walk down the aisle!
    — Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 22 Mar. 2025
  • The ingredient is packed with antioxidants to protect the delicate skin around the eyes; in Chanel’s radiant formula, it’s cocktailed with cedar extract to brighten dark circles.
    — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 22 Mar. 2025
Definition of radiant
Adjective
  • Coco Gauff, perhaps inspired by the F1 track that surrounds Hard Rock Stadium, raced past fellow American Sofia Kenin 6-0, 6-0 at the Miami Open on a sunny Thursday afternoon in 47 minutes.
    — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 21 Mar. 2025
  • The beer garden and front patio are both excellent places to soak up the sunny weather and sip a cold one. 3keysbrewing.com; 2505 Manatee Ave.
    — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of sunny

Browse Nearby Words

brigantines
bright
brighten
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Cite this Entry

“Bright.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bright. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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