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
Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 1 May 2026
The sky was a brilliant and cloudless blue on Friday, though, as Underdog’s message looped America’s oldest ballpark, which welcomed its team back after one of the most chaotic road trips in franchise history and amidst a stunning 12-19 start to the season.
—Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 1 May 2026
Which brings us to the part of this game that Orlando cannot ignore, no matter how brilliant Banchero was.
—Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026
The music scenes are brilliant, said Kevin Maher in The Times.
—The Week Uk, TheWeek, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for brilliant
Adjective
Some of these shrubs are prized for their foliage, while others have beautiful blooms or brilliant berries.
—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 1 May 2026
The sky was a brilliant and cloudless blue on Friday, though, as Underdog’s message looped America’s oldest ballpark, which welcomed its team back after one of the most chaotic road trips in franchise history and amidst a stunning 12-19 start to the season.
—Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 1 May 2026
Which brings us to the part of this game that Orlando cannot ignore, no matter how brilliant Banchero was.
—Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026
The music scenes are brilliant, said Kevin Maher in The Times.
—The Week Uk, TheWeek, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for brilliant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brilliant
Adjective
-
Available in dazzling red, yellow, and pink varieties, Garden Jewels™ Gerbera daisies produce up to 100 flowers per plant over a long season.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
3 May 2026
-
Swanson was credited with nine assists, including running in on some slow rollers, getting to balls headed up the middle, making some dazzling spin moves and showing grace under pressure to help the Cubs (21-12) win their 14th of 17 games overall and 10th straight home game.—
Jeff Vorva,
Chicago Tribune,
2 May 2026
Adjective
-
Perhaps clever legal strategies might find ways to meet the justices’ new standards, or perhaps experts might come up with new metrics to mathematically prove discrimination, even when intent is vague.—
Vann R. Newkirk II,
The Atlantic,
2 May 2026
-
Niko Medved is very smart, very clever at using that zone.—
Charley Walters,
Twin Cities,
2 May 2026
Adjective
-
Most importantly, playing prominent roles alongside a respected veteran and thoughtful mentor in Zibanejad really seemed to propel the young wingers, who finished the season by combining for 43 points (24 for Lafrenière and 19 for Perreault) in the final 23 games.—
Vincent Z. Mercogliano,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Collagen loss accelerates, cell turnover slows, and deep wrinkles become more prominent.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Kansas City Star,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The Feins bought the property in 1986, paying $265,000 for a gem of post-art deco international style architecture built in 1939.—
Sara B. Hansen,
Denver Post,
2 May 2026
-
Cratejoy box Box of Books is a customizable book subscription that features new releases, bestsellers, and hidden gems along with novelty items often found in an independent bookstore.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
The mother-daughter duo both wore white ensembles, with Kourtney adding a pop of silver with her coat and Penelope going for luminous gold loafers.—
Diane J. Cho,
PEOPLE,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Their luminous glow, ranging from the classic creamy white to delicate pinks and mysterious blacks, adds a touch of understated luxury to any ensemble.—
Nicole Letts,
Southern Living,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Cold, calculating and highly intelligent, Dedra saw the rebellion coming when none of her other peers did.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
3 May 2026
-
Here, intelligent driving features are ubiquitous, even in affordable models.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
2 May 2026
Adjective
-
The Moon moves through your 10th House of Visibility, where your structure is more noticeable.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The combination of skilled care, more affordable pricing, and the appeal of travelling for treatment has shaped a noticeable trend.—
K.H. Koehler,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The crown jewel is the 1988 Club, a transformation of the former Courtside Club into the franchise’s most exclusive offering.—
Taylor Stoddard,
Robb Report,
30 Apr. 2026
-
The jewel stayed with his son and successor, Duleep Singh, until the British Empire overtook Punjab a decade later.—
Doha Madani,
NBC news,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Brilliant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brilliant. Accessed 4 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
