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
Griff Griffin, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 May 2025
These three are, to me, among the most exemplary in New York, serving as brilliant finishes to any meal—or, as summer really kicks into swing, as mini-meals unto themselves, eaten on their own, at the bar.
—Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 25 May 2025
Evason started Fleury in Game 2 against Dallas in the 2023 playoffs after Gustavsson’s brilliant performance in a double OT win in Game 1.
—Michael Russo, New York Times, 17 May 2025
Golfers don’t require night vision goggles or glow in the dark golf balls because the entire course is illuminated by more than 78 brilliant LED lights.
—Candace Oehler, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for brilliant
Adjective
That includes brilliant limited series like Netflix's Toxic Town and Adolescence, fantasy epics like Prime Video's The Wheel of Time Season 3, and spectacular superhero animations like Disney+'s Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man.
—Griff Griffin, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 May 2025
These three are, to me, among the most exemplary in New York, serving as brilliant finishes to any meal—or, as summer really kicks into swing, as mini-meals unto themselves, eaten on their own, at the bar.
—Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 25 May 2025
Evason started Fleury in Game 2 against Dallas in the 2023 playoffs after Gustavsson’s brilliant performance in a double OT win in Game 1.
—Michael Russo, New York Times, 17 May 2025
Golfers don’t require night vision goggles or glow in the dark golf balls because the entire course is illuminated by more than 78 brilliant LED lights.
—Candace Oehler, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for brilliant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brilliant
Adjective
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The results give a dazzling, simultaneous impression of serenity and velocity—half zen garden, half hyperspeed blur.—
Julian Lucas,
New Yorker,
29 May 2025
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The event will feature a lineup of live entertainment, including performances by The Betties, the Orlando Gay Chorus, and the dazzling Kissimmee Queens.—
Joe Rassel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 May 2025
Adjective
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The 76 gasoline brand, after all, evokes the patriotism of 1776 — a clever marketing ploy.—
Sammy Roth,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2025
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Charlie Davis Season: 46 Placed: 2nd If Q was the hurricane blowing through Survivor 46, Davis was a source of calm geniality at the center, constantly quoting Taylor Swift songs while obscuring his careful, clever gameplay.—
Ben Rosenstock,
Time,
29 May 2025
Adjective
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His script may go over the top, and a generally adept cast (which also includes prominent parts for Sinbad, Rockmond Dunbar, Shalet Monique and others) copes variably with its excesses.—
Dennis Harvey,
Variety,
6 June 2025
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The two prominent Idaho families joined when Andrus’s youngest daughter, Kelly, married Church’s son Chase in 1989.—
Sarah Cutler,
Idaho Statesman,
6 June 2025
Noun
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Here are The Athletic’s pick of Wirtz alternatives, from his fellow high-fee buys to hidden gems.—
Conor O'Neill,
New York Times,
2 June 2025
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Globally recognized as one of the most important global spirits competitions, the IWSC has been uncovering gems for over 50 years.—
Hudson Lindenberger,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
Adjective
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Formulated with a potent blend of ceramides and panthenol, this moisturizer offers a rich, creamy texture that melts into the skin, delivering immediate moisture and a luminous glow.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
26 May 2025
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As a result, these devices can be highly reactive to bright sources of light, such as street lamps or the luminous glow of a full moon, which can obstruct your ability to see clearly in certain directions.—
Matt Morris,
Space.com,
25 May 2025
Adjective
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By freeing physicians from the need to be behind their computers during appointments, these intelligent assistants enable a more personal and engaging interaction with patients.—
Rakhee Langer,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
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Designing the Future of AI Artificial intelligence is powering a new generation of tools that combine logic with intelligent action.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
28 May 2025
Adjective
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Last year, there were multiple reports and videos of noticeable early exits at various Trump events.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 May 2025
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The chirping is hardly noticeable at a nearby pizza restaurant with the doors closed.—
Nathan Solis,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2025
Noun
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This past weekend featured the crown jewel of the Association of Pickleball Players (APP) annual slate, the 2025 Zimmer Biomet APP New York City Open.—
Todd Boss,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
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The jewel of the home, a heated pool for swimming laps in the mornings, is located at the center of the inner courtyard, while the rooftop terrace offers an accommodating space for dining and lounging while taking in the city views.—
Shannon Sharpe,
Architectural Digest,
28 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Brilliant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brilliant. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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