brilliance

noun

bril·​liance ˈbril-yən(t)s How to pronounce brilliance (audio)
Synonyms of brilliancenext
: the quality or state of being brilliant

Synonyms of brilliance

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Examples of brilliance in a Sentence

The professor was known for his brilliance. the brilliance of a diamond
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
These unassuming nude nails reveal their true brilliance under sunlight. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 2 July 2026 Volatile, quarrelsome, dogmatic, and sure of his own brilliance, Reinhold outraged patrons, amassed huge debts, and turned his eldest son into an exhausted workhorse. — Jenny Uglow, The New York Review of Books, 4 July 2026 Sophisticated setting techniques enhance each stone’s brilliance while preserving the fluid movement of the jewels. — Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 Even with Messi’s ongoing brilliance, Brazilians still consider Pele the greatest soccer player of all time. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for brilliance

Word History

First Known Use

1748, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of brilliance was in 1748

Browse Nearby Words

brille
brilliance
brilliancy
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Cite this Entry

“Brilliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brilliance. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

brilliance

noun
bril·​liance ˈbril-yən(t)s How to pronounce brilliance (audio)
: the quality or state of being brilliant

More from Merriam-Webster on brilliance

Nglish: Translation of brilliance for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about brilliance

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