bright 1 of 2

adjective

ˈbrīt How to pronounce bright (audio)
Definition of brightnext
1
as in shining
giving off or reflecting much light in the desert the sun was so bright that it hurt my eyes the moon is bright tonight

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2
as in illuminated
filled with much light the display windows of department stores are especially bright at Christmastime

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3
as in cheerful
having or showing a good mood or disposition always walks into work with a bright smile on his face

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4
as in intelligent
having or showing quickness of mind a company that is always looking for bright, ambitious college graduates

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5
as in promising
having qualities which inspire hope predicted a bright future for the young math whiz

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6
as in favorable
pointing toward a happy outcome all the signs are bright right now for an economic boom

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7
as in cheering
serving to lift one's spirits a bright and beautiful morning to begin planting our garden

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8
as in outstanding
standing above others in rank, importance, or achievement a bright new star on the operatic scene

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9
as in radiant
having or being an outward sign of good feelings (as of love, confidence, or happiness) a room full of summer interns with bright, eager faces

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10
as in sunny
not stormy or cloudy we'll have a picnic on the next bright day

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bright

2 of 2

adverb

as in brightly
in a manner marked by the shining or reflecting of much light the storm passed, and once again the sun shone bright

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective bright differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of bright are brilliant, luminous, lustrous, and radiant. While all these words mean "shining or glowing with light," bright implies emitting or reflecting a high degree of light.

When is brilliant a more appropriate choice than bright?

While the synonyms brilliant and bright are close in meaning, brilliant implies intense often sparkling brightness.

In what contexts can luminous take the place of bright?

While in some cases nearly identical to bright, luminous implies emission of steady, suffused, glowing light by reflection or in surrounding darkness.

When would lustrous be a good substitute for bright?

The meanings of lustrous and bright largely overlap; however, lustrous stresses an even, rich light from a surface that reflects brightly without glittering.

When might radiant be a better fit than bright?

Although the words radiant and bright 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 bright
Adjective
America’s retirement outlook is getting brighter. —Fiona Greig, Fortune, 9 Nov. 2025 Shine big and bright this year. —Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 9 Nov. 2025 After the leaves drop from the shrub, the stems are covered with bright red berries. —Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Nov. 2025 The 60 rooms and nine suites are bright and breezy, perfect for an island escape in the city. —Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 8 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bright
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bright
  1. shining
  2. illuminated
  3. cheerful
  4. intelligent
  5. promising
  6. favorable
  7. outstanding
  8. radiant
Adjective
  • The best shining example of something that was influenced by us is the British version of The Office.
    — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Attendees rode in support of and alongside community member Eva Zamora, who is a shining example of how to live your best life with Parkinson’s disease and takes cycle classes at EōS regularly, a news release stated.
    — News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Apr. 2025
Definition of shining
Adjective
  • Guests can expect more than 1,000 illuminated displays showcasing wildlife, vibrant landscapes, scenic pathways and festive holiday scenery.
    — Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Today, nine illuminated trees float on McAdenville Lake as a tribute to the originals.
    — Shameika Rhymes, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
Definition of illuminated
Adjective
  • Cheeky faux finishes played a big part in realizing that vision, as did cheerful color washing.
    — Elizabeth Kiefer, Architectural Digest, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The account has already attracted over 63,000 followers, many of whom originally believed the cheerful residents were real.
    — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2025
Definition of cheerful
Adjective
  • The aquatic mammals, Hadsel says, are so intelligent and have such strong sensory organs that they can be taught to recover human remains.
    — Frederick Dreier, Outside, 11 Nov. 2025
  • In the summer of '38, only the very intelligent people knew what was coming.
    — Liz McNeil, PEOPLE, 11 Nov. 2025
Definition of intelligent
Adjective
  • Nico Harrison’s disdain for beloved superstar Luka Dončić is going to end what was once a promising career as a basketball general manager.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Scherzer has won two titles, just missing out on his third this year, but his promising performance in the postseason has the free agent motivated for another go-around.
    — Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Nov. 2025
Definition of promising
Adjective
  • The measure’s approval allows Democrats to redraw congressional maps more favorable to their party in the nation’s largest state and keep up with Republicans who have moved to add potential new red House seats in Texas and elsewhere.
    — Josh Boak, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2025
  • By contrast, the Moon is a much more favorable environment by many metrics.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 6 Nov. 2025
Definition of favorable
Adjective
  • Before his arrival at the jail, MacDonald was stopped in connection with a criminal mischief investigation and arrested on an outstanding warrant, according to River Oaks police Deputy Chief Eric Perkins.
    — Emerson Clarridge Updated November 11, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Nov. 2025
  • While their records are not outstanding at the halfway point of the season, both are solid favorites to reach the playoffs.
    — Hannah Vanbiber, New York Times, 11 Nov. 2025
Definition of outstanding
Adjective
  • This bright foliage is set against darker green interior leaves for radiant contrast.
    — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 6 Nov. 2025
  • More than a decade later, LaWanda commands the stage at the House of Blues Anaheim as the radiant host of Bitchiest Brunch, the long-running Palm Springs drag show that recently brought its glittering spectacle and message of resilience to Orange County.
    — Holly Alvarado, Oc Register, 6 Nov. 2025
Definition of radiant

Browse Nearby Words

brigantines
bright
brighten
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Cite this Entry

“Bright.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bright. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.

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