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

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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 Both sizes are available with Apple's M5 Pro or M5 Max chips, along with a new OLED display designed to deliver improved brightness, contrast and color accuracy, according to Apple. — ABC News, 29 Oct. 2026 Early signs indicated that its jet was pointed away from Earth, but while the gamma-ray readings were comparatively basic, both its visible and X-ray measurements ranked among the top one percent in brightness. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 29 Oct. 2026 Fortunately, there are several effective methods to maintain their brightness and softness. — Anyssa Roberts, The Spruce, 28 Oct. 2026 What readers are saying The comments express widespread concern about the brightness and positioning of modern vehicle headlights, particularly those on larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks. — Todd C. Frankel, Washington Post, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for brightness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brightness
  1. brilliancy
  2. brilliance
  3. lightness
  4. illumination
  5. luminosity
Noun
  • Greatest brilliancy marks the sweet spot between the two, when Venus' apparent size and shrinking phase combine to give us the greatest apparent area of illuminated Venus in our sky.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The result is an incredible repository of vexations, bafflements, witticisms, and brilliancies.
    — Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
Definition of brilliancy
Noun
  • Mesmerized by its brilliance, Marcella feels an irresistible pull toward the diamond, and when the glittering façade of her charmed life begins to crack, Marcella must decide whether the Midnight Diamond is her salvation—or her doom.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Seen as a five-tool star, Mondesí had moments of brilliance with the Royals, but also struggled with injuries.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of brilliance
Noun
  • The steel, aged-effect metal and highly polished surfaces create a contrast between rawness and precision, while the transparency of the facade lends lightness to the flagship’s compact, block-like form.
    — David Moin, Footwear News, 9 Nov. 2026
  • This wonderful Syrah is a blend of 94 percent Syrah and 6 percent Viognier to add a bit of lightness.
    — Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of lightness
Noun
  • With the full power of the UTL19's dual lamps right next to it, the utility blade is a good option for performing those tasks in the dark, bringing its own focused illumination to keep your other hand free.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 Nov. 2026
  • The brightness matters for HDR content, sure, but what really makes OLED stand out is per-pixel illumination—meaning each pixel can turn on or off independently.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of illumination
Noun
  • The emphasis is less on shine and more on natural texture, striking a balance between softness and luminosity.
    — Jeanne Ballion, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Its glossy sheen catches the light beautifully, giving it the rich luminosity of a mirror-finish dark chocolate bar, while its graceful drape keeps the bed from looking overly styled.
    — Vivien Lee, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 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 14 Nov. 2026.

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