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
The brilliant Decatur restaurant has created a cultural exchange in its interpretation of lemon pepper wings. Mike Jordan, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 May 2025 Carpentaria, Wright’s brilliant, surprisingly funny novel, achieves that feat. Bekah Waalkes, The Atlantic, 1 May 2025 Collaborating with this incredible team of artists on Will Aronson and Hue Park’s brilliant musical has been a highlight of my career and life as an artist. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 1 May 2025 That’s not going to be enough against Luka Dončić, who was brilliant again, and LeBron James, who nearly had a triple-double. The Athletic Nba Staff, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for brilliant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brilliant
Adjective
  • Come for breakfast or a light lunch and stay for their dazzling cheese selection—over 150 varieties served with the kind of attention to detail that makes even a simple sandwich feel sublime.
    Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The movie, a dazzling retelling of a mythic boy-god, has grossed an astonishing US$2 billion worldwide, outperforming many Hollywood releases.
    Shaoyu Yuan, The Conversation, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Instant Spa Shower Gift Box: $55 Turn mom’s shower into a spa-like experience with this clever gift set from UncommonGood.
    Nora Colomer may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 3 May 2025
  • Whole time, this thing was meant to be some thrilling vampire story with all this clever social commentary woven [through].
    Ayan Artan, Vogue, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • One of the most prominent counterarguments comes from Modern Monetary Theory (MMT), which suggests that governments issuing their own currency can never run out of money.
    Sanford Mann, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • And as longer-term followers of MLS will know, there used to be a slash in one of America’s most prominent clubs, too.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • Its national parks often steal the spotlight, but the Golden State's state parks are hidden gems that offer sights, experiences, and landscapes that rival their national counterparts.
    Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 27 Apr. 2025
  • After his Game 5 gem, Yamamoto was solid again in Game 4 of the NL Championship Series (4⅓ innings, two runs, eight strikeouts) and terrific in Game 2 of the World Series (6⅓ innings, one run, four strikeouts), serving as the backbone of a shorthanded, championship-winning pitching staff.
    Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But the overall vibe is luminous and joyful — almost celebratory.
    Ernesto Lechner, Rolling Stone, 26 Apr. 2025
  • The silky formula glides on, leaving skin luminous and smooth.
    Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Halsey launched her acting career at the age of 7, playing Madeline Zott, the hyper intelligent — and wise — daughter of Elizabeth Zott (Brie Larson) in Apple TV+ praised limited series Lessons In Chemistry.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 2 May 2025
  • As organizations push for more adaptive, intelligent automation, AI agents are emerging as the next frontier, capable of handling complex workflows with greater flexibility and efficiency.
    Uli Erxleben, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • Use the dome light and flashers to make your vehicle more noticeable.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • But within weeks, the change in sentiment was noticeable.
    Pradeep Prasana Kanagaraj, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The franchise is the crown jewel in Take-Two’s portfolio, accounting for a significant share of revenue and player engagement, and expectations for the upcoming title have been baked into Wall Street forecasts for months.
    Reuters, CNN Money, 2 May 2025
  • The downsized performance follows declining attendance at the second jewel in the Triple Crown.
    Dan Belson, Baltimore Sun, 1 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Brilliant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brilliant. Accessed 8 May. 2025.

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