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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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bright

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adverb

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
With more than 50 years of clay animation, Aardman unveiled a glimpse of a bright future this year at the Annecy Animation Film Festival, which opens June 21. Kevin Giraud, Variety, 21 June 2026 Use warm air and UV rays outside to naturally disinfect fabrics, make white clothes brighter, and get rid of musty odors, all while leaving behind a unique scent from fresh air that can’t be replicated in the dryer. Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 21 June 2026 While that was big, nothing compares to the bright lights of the World Cup. Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 21 June 2026 Roberts suggested to Fox 8 Live that the boxer dog may have been triggered to attack after seeing him in a bright orange coat. Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for bright
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bright
Adjective
  • Whatever political direction Democrats plan to take their party in two years at their National Convention to elect a presidential nominee, Denver offers a shining example of what a city looks like when governance goes right for many decades, led by heart and hard work.
    The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 5 May 2026
  • So naturally in a state that treats basketball like a religion and the sport’s biggest stars like royalty, nobody casts a bigger shadow in this community now than the slender 6-foot-6, 196-pound, 19-year-old freshman who changed Final Four weekend with one brilliant shining moment Sunday afternoon.
    Michael Marot, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • When the sun goes down, stake out a spot at any Magic Kingdom-area resort beach for the Electrical Water Pageant, a procession of illuminated sea creatures that floats across the lagoon every night.
    Jacqueline Dole, Southern Living, 23 June 2026
  • Seconds, that the union and the contractor’s association be allowed to place a smaller illuminated sign near the base of the Western Auto sign noting that the organizations had done the work.
    Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • From glassware and accessories to kitchen tabletop and home decor, these functional yet giftable pieces combine cheerful patterns, playful details and practical use.
    ABC News, ABC News, 20 June 2026
  • For the most part, the Croatia and England fans were a happy, cheerful bunch, sporting their teams colors, chanting happy tunes and enjoying the unique experience.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • The human brain is the ultimate existence proof that intelligent systems that are vastly more energy-efficient than today’s AI are physically possible.
    Rob Toews, Forbes.com, 22 June 2026
  • It was revered for its intelligent satire of modern society and materialism, providing sight gags and slapstick humor for kids while proving relatable for young adults learning to navigate life.
    Skyler Trepel, Entertainment Weekly, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • The findings suggest that boron nitride nanotubes could serve as a promising platform for next-generation separation technologies.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 21 June 2026
  • Unfortunately, 29-year-old’s promising career suffered a tragic end.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • The upcoming World Cup clash between the US and Australia has unexpectedly escalated into a fierce rivalry, despite both teams initially celebrating their favorable draw.
    Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
  • National Weather Service A tornado watch means weather conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms to develop.
    Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • Parts of the region visually resemble Lake Tahoe, thanks to gorgeous lakes, elevation changes, and a variety of excellent golf courses that are perpetually in outstanding condition.
    Scott Kramer, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
  • There will be a lasting impact on economic growth as the country faces a long process resolving outstanding costs, according to analysts.
    Rebecca Schneid, Time, 21 June 2026
Adjective
  • Stewart’s makeup artist credits the Laura Geller Baked Blush-n-Brighten Marbleized Blush for the star’s radiant complexion.
    Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 18 June 2026
  • Dreamstick Cream Blush is a lightweight, buildable cream blush designed to give a fresh, radiant flush.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bright.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bright. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.

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