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
Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi are two of the most iconic, and their two bobblehead figures have brilliant discounts right now at Walmart and Best Buy. Paul Brett, Space.com, 14 Mar. 2025 The Galaxy’s start this year was as dismal as last season was brilliant. Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2025 Alisson was beaten by a brilliant curling effort from Kvaratskhelia in the first half, but the goal was ruled out by the video assistant referee (VAR) for offside. Ben Morse, CNN, 6 Mar. 2025 The Talent Tension Even the most brilliant strategy falters without proper execution. Bernard Marr, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for brilliant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brilliant
Adjective
  • There’s also choreographer Mandy Moore, who is responsible for the dazzling dance numbers.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Shower Door One of the most dazzling superpowers of using toothpaste as a cleaner can be seen in a gleaming shower door.
    Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The cut and fit of these is almost bespoke, and very clever.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 17 Mar. 2025
  • This rapid cycle reduces costs, and allows clever businesses to be the first to market trends and consumer feedback updates.
    Haokun Qin, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • After the round, Morikawa quickly left the course without talking to the media, a move that garnered heavy criticism from plenty of very prominent voices such as Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee and PGA Tour pro Rocco Mediate.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been one of the prominent voices on measles, making comments that public health experts say are not accurate.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Now the endearingly eclectic midcentury-modern gem has surfaced on the market for the first time in almost three decades, asking a smidge under $5.7 million.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Digress in Orlando’s College Park neighborhood is one such gem.
    Amy Drew Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • This, combined with the luminous glow effect makes everything look distractingly cheap in a show that is clearly expensive and largely well-shot.
    Erik Kain, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Following a brief homage to Los Angeles, still suffering the fallout from devastating wildfires, Grande emerged from a puff of gray smoke, luminous in a sparkly ruby-red gown.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • People have been dreaming about intelligent humanoid robots since the introduction of the beloved family maid Rosey on The Jetsons in the early 1960s.
    Jim McGregor, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Beyond being intelligent, ethical, musically talented, and dedicated; Emily is a true arts-passionate individual.
    Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 16 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • This processor delivers a noticeable jump in performance while still maintaining the all-day battery life the tablet is known for.
    K. Thor Jensen, PCMAG, 5 Mar. 2025
  • There’s a wide range of cases available, with different aspects and capabilities—including some that partly overcome the 16e’s noticeable oversight: no MagSafe.
    David Phelan, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The crown jewel of Heritage’s menu, Gonzalez said, is the A-5 ribeye, a premium Japanese beef prepared tableside on hot stone.
    David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 17 Mar. 2025
  • From the French heritage houses on Place Vendôme, to independent brands presenting their latest jewels at showrooms and luxury hotel around the city, some jewels of spectacular diversity were on show.
    Kate Matthams, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Brilliant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brilliant. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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