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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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bright
Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 15 Feb. 2026
This new accent is bold, bright, and unapologetically playful, drawing inspiration from the dramatic stripes of vintage circus tents and the fairground decor of this year’s Pinterest Predicts 2026 FunHaus trend.
—Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Feb. 2026
Just look for the three bright stars that make up Orion’s belt.
—Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 15 Feb. 2026
Females usually prefer males that have the same color as their own as well as brighter colors.
—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bright
Adjective
In practice, though, bright sun is less than ideal for photos, explains professional wedding photographer Violet Foulk.
—Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 15 Feb. 2026
This new accent is bold, bright, and unapologetically playful, drawing inspiration from the dramatic stripes of vintage circus tents and the fairground decor of this year’s Pinterest Predicts 2026 FunHaus trend.
—Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Feb. 2026
Just look for the three bright stars that make up Orion’s belt.
—Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 15 Feb. 2026
Females usually prefer males that have the same color as their own as well as brighter colors.
—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bright
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bright
Adjective
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Eloise's shining moment comes in Quinn's To Sir Phillip, With Love, and follows her love story with Sir Phillip Crane—yes, that Phillip, who married his late brother's true love Marina Thompson.—
Christina Perrier,
InStyle,
31 Jan. 2026
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Her world, fueled by her life, was the shining and irrefutable definition of integrity.—
Josh Peter,
USA Today,
20 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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The 2,800-square-foot Southport store features a hot chocolate cafe and a wall of chocolate featuring small boxes with a dizzying variety of flavors, from Pistachio & Raspberry to Orange Marmalade, which sell for $8 each or three for $20, according to the illuminated sign above the display.—
Robert Channick,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2026
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None of the illuminated material is ionized; it’s merely lit up by the central star’s light that gets reflected off of all of the ejecta.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Despite having her arms almost permanently crossed and a scowl on her face, Ivy eventually starts to warm up, especially to her cheerful, horny-as-a-chihuahua cabin-mate Ella (Ruby Stokes, recently seen in Bridgerton and The Burning Girls).—
Leslie Felperin,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Feb. 2026
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Even the cheerful, bright yellow winter aconite (Eranthus hyemalis) that have crept out into the lawn have popped open a few of their cheerful yellow blooms just a few inches above the frozen soil.—
Paul Cappiello,
Louisville Courier Journal,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Its intelligent brake and reverse (iBR) system adds specific control when slowing down or maneuvering around objects or when docking, along with different ride modes that let the rider chill (or sharpen) the throttle response depending on conditions.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
14 Feb. 2026
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On Friday, the company plans to shutter its GPT-4o model — widely considered the most emotionally intelligent on the market, and often used for individuals’ companions.—
Rachyl Jones,
semafor.com,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The newest scheme appears to be the most promising yet, at least according to people like Victor Wembanyama who still believe this game should matter.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
15 Feb. 2026
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The newest scheme appears to be the most promising yet, at least according to players such as Victor Wembanyama, who still believe this game should matter.—
Greg Beacham,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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With an attorney on the plaintiffs’ side of the lawsuit colluding with the city’s team, the city could settle the claims on favorable terms.—
Dakota Smith,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
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Warren and Garcia raised ethics questions about whether ballroom donors were promised favorable treatment by the administration in exchange for their contributions.—
Arden Farhi,
CBS News,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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He was named the UIL’s most outstanding wrestler in Class 6A, which is a first for Carroll’s program.—
Charles Baggarly,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
16 Feb. 2026
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Police departments nationwide offered a unique suggestion for a Valentine’s Day gift and urged people to turn in exes with outstanding warrants.—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Stewart’s makeup artist credits the Laura Geller Baked Blush-n-Brighten Marbleized Blush for the star’s radiant complexion.—
Kyra Surgent,
InStyle,
19 Feb. 2026
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There is a dollar amount that could convince any five-star to move to the radiant city of Sacramento.—
Jason Kirk,
New York Times,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bright.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bright. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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