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
In his brilliant opening round 65, DeChambeau gained 3.7 strokes putting, nearly double his previous career-best number. Justin Ray, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025 Then, last year, when Prins' wedding day approached, her mom had the brilliant idea to surprise her grandparents, family and friends by using the lemonade stand to serve drinks at the wedding. Jordan Greene, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025 On the heels of his brilliant fourth album Music Can Hear Us, the German producer reflects on how Daft Punk, Public Enemy, the Muppets, and more shaped his music taste. Laura Snapes, Pitchfork, 8 Apr. 2025 Viewers flocked to the video, obsessing over the owner's brilliant idea, and as of Friday, the Instagram clip reached over 12.1 million views and 466,254 likes. John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for brilliant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brilliant
Adjective
  • The films that benefit the most from PLF ticket sales have been Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters, as audiences want to see explosive action movies and dazzling spectacles in the most state-of-the-art locations.
    Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2025
  • The Gamecocks were tested by Clark’s dazzling displays, drawing viewership ratings that dwarfed even 2023’s high standards.
    Chantel Jennings, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The lingo, the faces, the concerns – all seemed, if not entirely authentic, then at least clever enough to create some backstage buzz.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Just make sure your clever solution doesn’t create additional fire hazards i.e. don’t hide cords under a rug.
    Maddie Topliff, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Even the normally undemonstrative Sarabia was prominent in the post-match as fans and players celebrated a job almost completed.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
  • John Schwartz has emerged as a prominent voice behind a broader campaign of coordinated economic protests.
    John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Lot 22 is an absolute gem for anyone following the vintage Rolex market.
    Thomas Wojtowicz, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • One of these modernist gems just popped up for sale on the suburban outskirts of Los Angeles, in the quaint village of Sierra Madre.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • That Del Toro juxtaposed luminous elements fit for a fairy tale with unflinching violence prompted an epiphany for Ezban.
    Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2025
  • For the show, the Symphony of Flowers, the operator would install at Huntington Central Park more than 100,000 luminous flowers totaling 500,000 LED lights that are choreographed to accompany classical music played over speakers.
    Michael Slaten, Oc Register, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • By automating the most repetitive, time-consuming tasks with intelligent, autonomous AI employees, Artisan is redefining what productivity looks like for go-to-market teams.
    Dasha Shunina, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Untangling a relationship with SpaceX Some of the most intelligent questions came from US Sen. Andy Kim, D-New Jersey.
    Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Some of them, like the new experimental version of 2.5 Pro, are beginning to show noticeable vibe improvements.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Use the dome light and flashers to make your vehicle more noticeable.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In Midtown’s southeasterly quadrant, the Fifth Avenue Hotel is the jewel of 28th St.
    Christopher Cameron, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2025
  • In their new thriller Crime 101, an adaptation of the Don Winslow novella of the same name, Berry plays a weary insurance broker who gets involved in a multimillion-dollar heist led by a master jewel thief named Davis, portrayed by Hemsworth.
    Erin Clack, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Brilliant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brilliant. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

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