brightness

noun

ˈbrīt-nəs How to pronounce brightness (audio)
Definition of brightnessnext
as in brilliancy
the quality or state of having or giving off light the brightness of the sunshine made me squint after an afternoon spent in a darkened movie theater

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 brightness Cue a surge in brightness, thanks to its reflective clouds and its closeness. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 14 Aug. 2026 Cold water is a better option if there is a concern about shrinking or color brightness. — Lauren David, Southern Living, 13 Aug. 2026 Bergamot, in particular, is a popular way for perfumers to add lift and brightness to the opening notes of a fragrance, and neroli, which is derived from the flowers of the bitter orange tree, is a gentler, sweeter floral note. — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 12 Aug. 2026 The content will be available in Dolby Vision, a technology using laser projection to enhance brightness, color and contrast on viewers' screens. — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for brightness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brightness
  1. brilliancy
  2. brilliance
  3. lightness
  4. illumination
  5. luminosity
Noun
  • The result is an incredible repository of vexations, bafflements, witticisms, and brilliancies.
    — Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
  • So, astronomers have come up with a compromise regarding the geometry of the sun's illumination angle on Venus' disk versus its distance from Earth to determine the time of Venus' greatest brilliancy.
    — Joe Rao, Space.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of brilliancy
Noun
  • For instance, this option from Oak and Luna features a naturally occurring silicon carbide now grown almost entirely in labs, brings a more responsible origin story alongside genuine brilliance, ranking second only to diamond in hardness.
    — Pooja Mistry, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • And certainly, an homage to the importance and brilliance of sea creatures.
    — Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of brilliance
Noun
  • Gus Birney, Shulman’s real-life daughter, brings an ineffable lightness to Sarah Nell, the joyfulness and sweetness of the portrayal all the more wondrous before of all the darkness that surrounds it.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Heaven is a happy scent with a lightness to it that’s perfect for everyday wear—just like a breezy white maxidress in the summer.
    — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of lightness
Noun
  • Artificial nighttime illumination can alter the behavior of migratory birds, insects and other nocturnal species that rely on moonlight and starlight to navigate, feed and reproduce, the coalition says.
    — Jean Lee, NBC news, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Adaptive matrix headlights, which can selectively dim portions of the beam to avoid dazzling other drivers while maintaining maximum illumination elsewhere, are theoretically the technological solution to the problem.
    — Matthew MacConnell, ArsTechnica, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of illumination
Noun
  • The top is a thick slab of sandblasted acrylic that lends the surface a serene luminosity.
    — Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Rossi treated the paint surface, meanwhile, by removing oxidized varnish, decayed retouching, and incoherent integrations and additions, allowing viewers to appreciate the luminosity of Fra Angelico’s palette and the precision of his gilding.
    — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of luminosity

Browse Nearby Words

brightly
brightness
brigs
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Cite this Entry

“Brightness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brightness. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of brightness for Spanish Speakers

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