bright 1 of 2

Definition of brightnext
1
2
3
4
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

5
6
7
8
9
10

bright

2 of 2

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
The tragedies and ironies of life can produce some of the brightest light. Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 7 June 2026 Jim Desmond is about to step onto the political center stage, where the spotlight will be bright and hot. Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2026 Platja Estanys, Mallorca Close to Colònia de Sant Jordi, this bright beach offers easy access and unobstructed views to the west-northwest. Jamie Carter, Space.com, 7 June 2026 Maine was the Democrats’ brightest hope for a net gain in the Senate. David Frum, The Atlantic, 6 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
  • Taking place at Del Mar Fairgrounds, this show will blend advanced drone choreography with the unforgettable music and iconic moments from the Harry Potter film series, featuring 1,200 illuminated drones soaring across the night sky.
    Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2026
  • Best Things to Do The Grandin Theatre Showing new and classic movies, The Grandin Theatre anchors the historic Grandin Village district with its dazzling art deco design and an illuminated marquee that transports visitors to the golden age of cinema.
    Julekha Dash, Travel + Leisure, 6 June 2026
Adjective
  • This tropical mini dress has the cheerful, vacation-ready energy of pricier resort brands without the sticker shock.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 5 June 2026
  • Tracks from bands like The Vaselines and Beat Happening add to the cheerful freneticism.
    Colin Wrenn, Denver Post, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • Future EVs may function as intelligent assistants, constantly analyzing conditions and offering guidance in the background.
    James Morris, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
  • The Brazilian stands at 183cm (6ft) and is very intelligent at using his body to maximise any attempt to win the ball.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 5 June 2026
Adjective
  • The chemistry has therefore emerged as a promising option for large-scale energy storage, where cost, resource availability, and operational reliability are critical factors.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 7 June 2026
  • Next to him is the promising 21-year-old Alex Freeman, the son of a former NFL wide receiver whose athleticism is off the charts but feel for the game is still a work in progress.
    Becky Sullivan, NPR, 7 June 2026
Adjective
  • Conservative state lawmakers who have received tens of thousands of dollars from Gleason and his family are also those who have consistently sponsored, or at least provided their favorable votes, to bills that would directly benefit his precious metals business.
    Kevin Fixler June 4, Idaho Statesman, 4 June 2026
  • In nearly half of those actions, the plaintiffs have won a preliminary injunction against the administration or a favorable ruling, said Lawrence Pacheco, a spokesman for Weiser’s office.
    John Aguilar, Denver Post, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers was named the winner of the Ted Lindsay Award as the NHL’s most outstanding player, as voted by the league’s players.
    Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 7 June 2026
  • Over his past four starts, Yamamoto has been outstanding, allowing just three runs on 16 hits over 27⅓ innings.
    Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 7 June 2026
Adjective
  • There’s no point postulating a soul that might rise beyond the reach of artificial illumination, because the very vault of the Universe is inscribed with radiant diagrams.
    Wyatt Williams, Harpers Magazine, 2 June 2026
  • Ciara Miller is radiant at the DSW Collaboration Launch Event in New York City on May 27.
    People Staff, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bright.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bright. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on bright

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster