Thesaurus

bright

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

adjective

Save Word

Synonyms & Antonyms of bright

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 giving off or reflecting much light

in the desert the sun was so bright that it hurt my eyes

the moon is bright tonight

Synonyms for bright

Words Related to bright

Near Antonyms for bright

Antonyms for bright

2 filled with much light

the display windows of department stores are especially bright at Christmastime

Synonyms for bright

Words Related to bright

Near Antonyms for bright

gray
(also grey),
leaden,
pale

lightproof

Antonyms for bright

3 having or showing a good mood or disposition

always walks into work with a bright smile on his face

Synonyms for bright

Words Related to bright

Near Antonyms for bright

Antonyms for bright

4 having or showing quickness of mind

a company that is always looking for bright, ambitious college graduates

Synonyms for bright

Words Related to bright

Near Antonyms for bright

Antonyms for bright

5 having qualities which inspire hope

predicted a bright future for the young math whiz

Synonyms for bright

Words Related to bright

Near Antonyms for bright

Antonyms for bright

6 pointing toward a happy outcome

all the signs are bright right now for an economic boom

Synonyms for bright

Words Related to bright

Near Antonyms for bright

Antonyms for bright

7 serving to lift one's spirits

a bright and beautiful morning to begin planting our garden

Synonyms for bright

Words Related to bright

Near Antonyms for bright

Antonyms for bright

8 standing above others in rank, importance, or achievement

a bright new star on the operatic scene

Synonyms for bright

Words Related to bright

Near Antonyms for bright

9 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

Synonyms for bright

Words Related to bright

Near Antonyms for bright

10 not stormy or cloudy

we'll have a picnic on the next bright day

Synonyms for bright

Words Related to bright

Near Antonyms for bright

Antonyms for bright

bright

adverb

Synonyms & Antonyms of bright (Entry 2 of 2)

in a manner marked by the shining or reflecting of much light

the storm passed, and once again the sun shone bright

Synonyms for bright

Words Related to bright

pellucidly

Near Antonyms for bright

Antonyms for bright

dimly,
dully

Frequently Asked Questions About bright

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.