1
as in dazzling
giving off or reflecting much light
a brilliant chandelier graces the hotel lobby
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
as in prominent
likely to attract attention
a brilliant example of government waste
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of brilliant
Big Think, 6 Nov. 2025
Had the best time visiting Harvard Business School and chatting with some seriously brilliant minds!
—Staff Author, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2025
Satire is brilliant for exposing the folly of humans, especially those in power and those working in bad faith—the hypocrites and the frauds—and can be particularly potent when set in irrational or dystopic times.
—Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025
Looking to his reputation as a hard-working and brilliant designer, Anderson surely has the ability to blend in with the Dior DNA, juggling its strong heritage and codes, and placing the house in good stead for a revival.
—Vogue Business Team, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for brilliant
Adjective
This week, Angus has a brilliant new essay in Big Think that connects Shakespeare’s King Lear to the life of Steve Jobs.
—Big Think, 6 Nov. 2025
Had the best time visiting Harvard Business School and chatting with some seriously brilliant minds!
—Staff Author, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2025
Satire is brilliant for exposing the folly of humans, especially those in power and those working in bad faith—the hypocrites and the frauds—and can be particularly potent when set in irrational or dystopic times.
—Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025
Looking to his reputation as a hard-working and brilliant designer, Anderson surely has the ability to blend in with the Dior DNA, juggling its strong heritage and codes, and placing the house in good stead for a revival.
—Vogue Business Team, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for brilliant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brilliant
Adjective
-
Just as Victor appeared to break open, Jackson leaped into the air, stretched his right arm skyward and pulled down a dazzling one-handed catch at the 3-yard line.—
The Athletic College Football Staff,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
-
No longer limited to skulking around on a bar cart, metallic finishes like aluminum and brass are in the midst of a dazzling comeback.—
Kathryn O’Shea-Evans,
Robb Report,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
A lot of clever stuff goes into this.—
Diana Lodderhose,
Deadline,
7 Nov. 2025
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This clever coffee table’s top lifts smoothly and locks into place to create a dining area or workspace.—
Shea Simmons,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The team settled for adding TE Josh Whyle and defensive lineman Arron Mosby from the practice squad to the active roster, but Green Bay is apparently in on one prominent free-agent defensive back as well.—
Michael Gallagher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Several prominent business leaders have already voiced cautious optimism, seeing in Mamdani a chance to reset the relationship between City Hall and commerce.—
Sally Susman,
Time,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Choudhary, a collector of contemporary art as well as Indian artifacts, considered a career in hospitality before he was seduced by the gems his family has traded for centuries.—
Victoria Gomelsky,
Robb Report,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Orio Extending from the coast, over the mountains, and then dropping into a valley anchored by a river, Orio is a beloved gem in the Basque Country.—
Michelle Arellano Martin,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
With its luminous foliage, 'Lemon-Lime' Nandina makes a striking accent in shady plantings.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
6 Nov. 2025
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The luminous roll call has Henry Cavill leading a cast that already includes Russell Crowe, Marisa Abela, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Jeremy Irons and Djimon Hounsou, as well as Max Zhang and Drew McIntyre.—
Borys Kit,
HollywoodReporter,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The aquatic mammals, Hadsel says, are so intelligent and have such strong sensory organs that they can be taught to recover human remains.—
Frederick Dreier,
Outside,
11 Nov. 2025
-
In the summer of '38, only the very intelligent people knew what was coming.—
Liz McNeil,
PEOPLE,
11 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Similarly, the depth of the pile doesn’t rebound if furniture is moved, which can be noticeable for a period of time.—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Just as Mamdani aims to improve the lives of young people more broadly, those working under him could see a noticeable shift in how the workplace is run.—
Jessica Coacci,
Fortune,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The content creator dressed in a stunning array of jewels, a chain-style seashell dress from Paco Rabanne retailing for nearly $4,000, and a metallic purse.—
Luke Chinman,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
-
The cash, gold, jewels, and crypto are all ready.—
Kaycee Sloan,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Brilliant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brilliant. Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.
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