brilliant 1 of 2

1
2
as in clever
having or showing quickness of mind a brilliant boy who left for college at the age of 16

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3

brilliant

2 of 2

noun

as in gem
a usually valuable stone cut and polished for ornament the diamond cutter set out an array of brilliants to show the various ways the diamond could be cut

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective brilliant differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of brilliant are bright, luminous, lustrous, and radiant. While all these words mean "shining or glowing with light," brilliant implies intense often sparkling brightness.

When could bright be used to replace brilliant?

While in some cases nearly identical to brilliant, bright implies emitting or reflecting a high degree of light.

When is it sensible to use luminous instead of brilliant?

While the synonyms luminous and brilliant are close in meaning, luminous implies emission of steady, suffused, glowing light by reflection or in surrounding darkness.

When would lustrous be a good substitute for brilliant?

The words lustrous and brilliant can be used in similar contexts, but lustrous stresses an even, rich light from a surface that reflects brightly without glittering.

Where would radiant be a reasonable alternative to brilliant?

Although the words radiant and brilliant 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 brilliant
Adjective
If nothing else, Hanks’ doc serves as a reminder of how brilliant that show was, and how mind-bogglingly brilliant Candy was on it. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2025 Mottley's prose is brilliant, and this is a story you’re guaranteed to hold close to your heart. Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025 Several Midwest states, too, such as Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska should have brilliant fall foliage. John Tufts, IndyStar, 4 Sep. 2025 Sure, the deep red and brilliant yellow hues that come with the changing of the season could be painted, explained or written about. Mike De Sisti, jsonline.com, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for brilliant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brilliant
Adjective
  • And the stadium atmosphere was dazzling, even in the drizzle.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 7 Sep. 2025
  • For entomology buffs, the nation of Colombia plays host to the largest number of butterfly species on the planet, with Jaguarundi Travel operating a dedicated tour that showcases a dazzling array of colorful insects.
    Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This can be read as a clever knock on some of the mockumentary-format comedies that followed The Office, often — ahem, Modern Family — failing to provide any actual reason for the doc-style shooting and talking-head interviews.
    Jesse Hassenger, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
  • But poems are cleverer than the people who write them.
    Leila Chatti September 5, Literary Hub, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Kirk, a prominent voice in culture wars on college campuses, hosts a daily radio show and podcast, The Charlie Kirk Show, which ranks among the top 10 on Apple News’ list of top podcasts and has a strong Gen Z fan base.
    Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • On Tuesday night, the Nepali army deployed troops to restore order after prominent government buildings were set on fire, politicians were attacked and violent clashes erupted between protesters and government forces.
    Juliana Kim, NPR, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Levi's Original Trucker Jacket Don’t miss out on this gem of a steal on this beloved Levi’s denim jacket that has racked up over 8,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.
    Isis Briones, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
  • If the current crop of blockbusters and indie gems isn't quite hitting the mark for you, there's a solid chance one of Netflix's homegrown titles will.
    Jacqueline Weiss, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Our centerpiece selection Christy anchors the festival with its daring artistry and gives us the opportunity to honor the luminous Sydney Sweeney.
    Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Whether exploring the Royal Botanic Garden or watching sunset from Mrs Macquarie’s Chair—hand-carved by convicts in 1810—the city feels luminous, expansive, and just a little wild.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Ultimately, when used thoughtfully, AI can be not only a governance tool but also a catalyst for a more intelligent, inclusive and resilient corporate future.
    Michael Hilb, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Now there’s a new high-tech member of that team ready to weigh in on just what Ralph Lauren fashion is as Ask Ralph relaunches Tuesday as an artificially intelligent shopping experience on the brand’s app.
    Evan Clark, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • After a noticeable drop in school attendance due to SEPTA cuts in the first week of the new school year, the city directed a portion of its $135 million transit subsidy to restore bus and trolley service on routes that are heavily used by students.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The ears of a young ram are more noticeable than those of an old ram, whose ears are largely concealed by the massive horns.
    Tim Kelly, Outdoor Life, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • And one of its brightest jewels was under water.
    Suzette Hackney, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Deep and jewel-toned, Perry says that a striking crimson red makes for a perfect fall shade.
    Audrey Noble, Vogue, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Brilliant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brilliant. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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