brilliance

noun

bril·​liance ˈbril-yən(t)s 

: the quality or state of being brilliant

Synonyms of brilliance

• brilliancy
• brightness
• lightness

Examples of brilliance in a Sentence

The professor was known for his brilliance.

the brilliance of a diamond

Recent Examples on the Web

Those were caused by a mix of offensive miscues and defensive brilliance. — Pj Green november 8, Kansas City Star, 8 Nov. 2026

The open hi-hat has lovely brilliance, but the closed hi-hat rings a bit too much. — Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 6 Nov. 2026

Avalancha’s brilliance was acknowledged by both critics and the band’s fans the moment it was released. — Ernesto Lechner, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2026

This is a deeply flawed team that is capable of flashes of brilliance against some opponents. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1748, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

brilliance

noun

bril·​liance ˈbril-yən(t)s 

: the quality or state of being brilliant