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
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
Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 16 May 2025
Because he’s always been billed as the guy who taught Kanan, Ghost and Tommy the game, and he was seen as this incredibly charismatic and brilliant presence in all their lives, and then there was this betrayal, there’s a lot of weight hanging on this character in this role.
—Ronda Racha Penrice, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2025
So, that was a huge surprise, but brilliant storytelling, as far as I’m concerned.
—Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 15 May 2025
Many thanks to [the Menendez brothers' attorney] Mark Geragos for his devotion to justice and his brilliant leadership on this case.
—Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for brilliant
Adjective
The plan to drug the cake, while brilliant, did have one flaw: What if a commander (or 10!) didn’t eat it?
—Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 16 May 2025
Because he’s always been billed as the guy who taught Kanan, Ghost and Tommy the game, and he was seen as this incredibly charismatic and brilliant presence in all their lives, and then there was this betrayal, there’s a lot of weight hanging on this character in this role.
—Ronda Racha Penrice, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2025
So, that was a huge surprise, but brilliant storytelling, as far as I’m concerned.
—Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 15 May 2025
Many thanks to [the Menendez brothers' attorney] Mark Geragos for his devotion to justice and his brilliant leadership on this case.
—Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for brilliant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brilliant
Adjective
-
The result is Evangeline vs. the Machine, a record that is both dazzling and challenging, and creates a listening experience that upends the idea of what country music is — or at least the type of country music that first made Church a Nashville star.—
Joseph Hudak,
Rolling Stone,
2 May 2025
-
These dazzling meteors are the result of debris left by Halley’s Comet burning up in Earth’s atmosphere.—
Kayla Randall,
Smithsonian Magazine,
2 May 2025
Adjective
-
For apartment dwellers and people who prefer not to dangle midair, this clever contraption looks like a window-cleaning game changer.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 May 2025
-
The story centers on 16-year-old Haymitch (Joseph Zada), a clever and resourceful boy from District 12, who’s unexpectedly chosen for this edition of the games, which will feature a deadly twist: twice the number of tributes, with 48 children sent into the arena to battle for their lives.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
16 May 2025
Adjective
-
Heat, precipitation or not, the golf world is ecstatic to have landed in one of the nation’s most prominent sports cities for its second PGA championship in eight years.—
Shane Connuck,
Charlotte Observer,
13 May 2025
-
The gym makes its most prominent return in the universe's seventh installment, the beginning of the Creed franchise.—
Mekishana Pierre,
EW.com,
13 May 2025
Noun
-
Opposite Cease, former Padres prospect Max Fried delivered another gem for the Yankees.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
8 May 2025
-
If the Vintage Popup is a success, ThredUp users may see more vintage gems on the platform.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
8 May 2025
Adjective
-
To the visible eye, every dress is in incredible condition—luminous colors, embroideries from more than a century ago that shimmer anew, each silhouette fitted impeccably on the mannequin—and for some visitors, this will prove the most remarkable part of the show.—
Amy Verner,
Vogue,
7 May 2025
-
Her luminous journey has been showcased in prominent media, including South Jersey Magazine.—
Connie Etemadi,
USA Today,
7 May 2025
Adjective
-
This type of intelligent power management would mark a departure from Apple's existing Low Power Mode, which applies system-wide restrictions.—
Tahar Rajab,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 May 2025
-
These intelligent adaptations help homeowners effectively reduce their monthly energy expenses.—
Jon Stojan,
USA Today,
13 May 2025
Adjective
-
While Steve Austin's presence at WWE WrestleMania 41 was a highlight for many fans, his entrance wasn't without a minor, yet noticeable, hiccup.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 May 2025
-
While all of the men had shaved heads and were wearing cloaks with a mysterious symbol on the back, the group's most noticeable trait was that each and every member had Glasgow smile-type scars carved into their faces.—
Megan McCluskey,
Time,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Of course, Aberg can only know so much about Charlotte’s jewel right now.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
15 May 2025
-
Trainer Todd Pletcher, 0-10 at the Preakness, is looking for his first middle jewel of the Triple Crown. 7.—
Tim Newcomb,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Brilliant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brilliant. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share