brilliance

noun

ˈbril-yən(t)s How to pronounce brilliance (audio)
Definition of brilliancenext
1
as in brilliancy
the quality or state of having or giving off light the brilliance of the flash from the camera was so intense that I was blinded for a moment afterwards

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in majesty
impressiveness of beauty on a large scale the brilliance of the palace is really quite staggering

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 brilliance History remembers both Washington and Marshall less for their tactical brilliance than for their strategic leadership. — Missy Ryan, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026 Erivo plays a British defense barrister who exudes enviable brilliance in navigating the ruthless and gladiatorial London courtrooms. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 7 July 2026 This character’s depth, her brilliance, gave me one true thing to cling to when so much was being taken away. — Marissa Stapley, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026 Perhaps my zeal to reiterate my distrust of the Dubs’ front office has blinded me to their behind-the-scenes brilliance. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for brilliance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brilliance
  1. brilliancy
  2. majesty
  3. brightness
  4. glory
  5. lightness
  6. elegance
  7. magnificence
  8. nobility
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
  • On the Vietnam side (Ban Gioc), there are several smaller waterfalls to the side that add to the majesty.
    — Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 16 July 2026
  • Knowing there are other places in our solar system to witness total eclipses of our star does nothing to reduce the awe and majesty of this amazing sight.
    — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 10 July 2026
Definition of majesty
Noun
  • The right temple holds a multipurpose button and rocker for adjusting display brightness, switching between picture modes, and navigating the limited menu system.
    — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 10 July 2026
  • Noctilucent clouds keep glowing with an oddly cold brightness.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of brightness
Noun
  • Aged golf legends trying and failing to relive their glory days.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • The glory of winning an Open does not depend on the venue, but Birkdale offers a particular prestige.
    — Gregg Evans, New York Times, 17 July 2026
Definition of glory
Noun
  • There was a sort of lightness to the mood of a team that was still trying to absorb the news.
    — Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 5 July 2026
  • Hughes suggests a dusty pink or light beige to lift and soften the richness of the floor, while Alonso notes that cooler neutrals can offer a nice contrast, adding some lightness to the room.
    — Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 July 2026
Definition of lightness
Noun
  • The slip-on sandal features cutout detailing to add elegance to any outfit, plus a durable sole for traction and stability.
    — Kaitlin Gates, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2026
  • A touch of flaky sea salt brings effortless elegance and flair.
    — Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 10 July 2026
Definition of elegance
Noun
  • Loser goes home, just like the others bounced from this bonkers initial knockout round — dreams trounced via penalty kick or last-minute magnificence or just … a big French bully.
    — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 1 July 2026
  • Each piece spells out a message—happiness, beauty, and magnificence—in the ancient pictorial writing.
    — Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 12 June 2026
Definition of magnificence
Noun
  • Gustaf Lagerbielke, a 26-year-old center back, comes from a line of nobility, particularly Counts, in his home country.
    — Chris Branch, New York Times, 26 June 2026
  • This piece of jewelry, worn by Princess Elisabeth, was a wedding gift from the Belgian nobility to Mathilde on the occasion of her wedding in 1999.
    — Marta Martínez Tato, Vanity Fair, 24 June 2026
Definition of nobility

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Cite this Entry

“Brilliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brilliance. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on brilliance

Nglish: Translation of brilliance for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about brilliance

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