brilliant

adjective

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bril·liant | \ ˈbril-yənt

Definition of brilliant

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : very bright : glittering a brilliant light

2a : striking, distinctive a brilliant example

b : distinguished by unusual mental keenness or alertness brilliant scientists

3 British : very good : excellent

brilliant

noun

Definition of brilliant (Entry 2 of 2)

: a gem (such as a diamond) cut in a particular form with numerous facets so as to have special brightness or brilliance

Other Words from brilliant Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More About brilliant

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Choose the Right Synonym for brilliant

Adjective

bright, brilliant, radiant, luminous, lustrous mean shining or glowing with light. bright implies emitting or reflecting a high degree of light. brilliant implies intense often sparkling brightness. radiant stresses the emission or seeming emission of rays of light. luminous implies emission of steady, suffused, glowing light by reflection or in surrounding darkness. lustrous stresses an even, rich light from a surface that reflects brightly without glittering.

Examples of brilliant in a Sentence

Adjective a brilliant star in the sky a store decorated in brilliant colors He pitched a brilliant game. She gave a brilliant performance. She has a brilliant mind. Noun the diamond cutter set out an array of brilliants to show the various ways the diamond could be cut

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective My hair-and-makeup person is brilliant, but most of the ponytails are fake. — Devon Ivie, Vulture, 13 July 2021 The 6-foot-5 forward averaged 12.8 points and 6.0 rebounds per game, and was at times brilliant. — Jeff Mcdonald, San Antonio Express-News, 8 July 2021 He’s kind and generous in addition to being brilliant. — John Tamny, Forbes, 5 July 2021 Both have been brilliant in the playoffs, with very close statistics. — Christian Ortega, USA TODAY, 28 June 2021 Oregon’s Cole Hocker was brilliant in his first full collegiate season. — Ken Goe For The Oregonian/oregonlive, oregonlive, 27 June 2021 The Suns were led by Cameron Payne, who was brilliant while subbing for All-Star Chris Paul. — David Brandt, orlandosentinel.com, 23 June 2021 The Suns were led by Cameron Payne, who was brilliant while subbing for All-Star Chris Paul. — David Brandt, ajc, 23 June 2021 The MyQ Smart Garage Door Opener is nothing short of brilliant. — Maren Estrada, BGR, 22 June 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'brilliant.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.