Illustration of brilliant
- 1 table
- 2 bezel
- 3 girdle
- 4 pavilion
- 5 culet
bril·liant
ˈbril-yənt 
1
: very bright : glittering
a brilliant light
2
a
: striking, distinctive
a brilliant example
b
: distinguished by unusual mental keenness or alertness
brilliant scientists
3
British
: very good : excellent
brilliantly
adverb
: a gem (such as a diamond) cut in a particular form with numerous facets so as to have special brightness or brilliance
Examples of brilliant in a Sentence
Adjective
a brilliant star in the sky
a store decorated in brilliant colors
He pitched a brilliant game.
She gave a brilliant performance.
She has a brilliant mind.
Noun
the diamond cutter set out an array of brilliants to show the various ways the diamond could be cut
Recent Examples on the Web
Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 28 July 2025
This year’s summer fashion trends have been dominated by simple patterns, breezy fabrics, and fluttery silhouettes—all of which are brilliant additions to your summer travel wardrobe thanks to their versatility and packability.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 28 July 2025
At 70, Leslie Bruce discovered that retirement doesn’t have to mean missing the brilliant minds that energized her health care leadership career at UC San Diego.
—Barbara Bry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 July 2025
Coll, usually so composed with her distribution, gifted the ball to the Manchester City forward but pulled off a brilliant save to keep out the close-range shot and make amends.
—Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 27 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for brilliant
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Adjective
This film will not only pay tribute to his career, but to his brilliant mind and unwavering determination.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 28 July 2025
This year’s summer fashion trends have been dominated by simple patterns, breezy fabrics, and fluttery silhouettes—all of which are brilliant additions to your summer travel wardrobe thanks to their versatility and packability.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 28 July 2025
At 70, Leslie Bruce discovered that retirement doesn’t have to mean missing the brilliant minds that energized her health care leadership career at UC San Diego.
—Barbara Bry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 July 2025
Coll, usually so composed with her distribution, gifted the ball to the Manchester City forward but pulled off a brilliant save to keep out the close-range shot and make amends.
—Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 27 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for brilliant
Cite this Entry
“Brilliant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brilliant. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
brilliant
1 of 2 adjective
bril·liant
ˈbril-yənt
1
: flashing with light : very bright
brilliant jewels
2
a
: very impressive
a brilliant career
b
: very smart or clever
a brilliant student
a brilliant idea
brilliantly
adverb
brilliant
2 of 2 noun
: a gem (as a diamond) cut so as to sparkle
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