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
Bill Swank, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025
Of all the egomaniacal lions who ruled Hollywood during the 20th century gatekeeper era, very few made a brilliant pivot to the internet.
—Steven Levy, Wired News, 6 June 2025
Edmonton, 3-2. Draisaitl saluted the brilliant play by letting McDavid go first in dapping up the Edmonton bench, something usually reserved for the goal scorer.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 6 June 2025
Every sports league is better with a bad guy, and Reese subtly demeaning Clark is a brilliant marketing ploy.
—Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for brilliant
Adjective
The architect of the brilliant June 6, 1944 landing — D-Day — was Dwight D. Eisenhower.
—Bill Swank, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025
Of all the egomaniacal lions who ruled Hollywood during the 20th century gatekeeper era, very few made a brilliant pivot to the internet.
—Steven Levy, Wired News, 6 June 2025
Edmonton, 3-2. Draisaitl saluted the brilliant play by letting McDavid go first in dapping up the Edmonton bench, something usually reserved for the goal scorer.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 6 June 2025
Every sports league is better with a bad guy, and Reese subtly demeaning Clark is a brilliant marketing ploy.
—Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for brilliant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brilliant
Adjective
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This bona fide natural wonder supports a dazzling array of wildlife, including nearly 500 bird species and north of 130,000 elephants, the largest population of any country in Africa.—
Alexandra Kirkman,
Forbes.com,
9 June 2025
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Thanks to the intricate texture of the lens, the lights provide a warm, starburst-like pattern that illuminates the surrounding area and looks dazzling to the eye.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
5 June 2025
Adjective
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The argument that Trump has violated the 10th Amendment is a clever subversion of a line of thinking that has traditionally been backed by conservative judges, said Erwin Chemerinsky, the dean of the UC Berkeley School of Law.—
Laura J. Nelson,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2025
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Barenaked Ladies, Sugar Ray and Fastball Three lively, strident bands known for clever lyrics and fun banter relive the 1990s for you on July 13 at 7 p.m. at the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
8 June 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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Other gems were gleaned from his years as a country boy in the Harlem of the nineteen-forties and fifties.—
Jelani Cobb,
New Yorker,
14 June 2025
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Crystal River Gentle manatees and some of the best paddling in the state—in and around the state’s clearest springs—make Crystal River a true gem on Florida’s Nature Coast.—
Skye Sherman,
Southern Living,
14 June 2025
Adjective
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In each, Agrippina is dead, luminous, in opulent jewelry or surrounded by fine furs and cloths.—
Diana Arterian
June 16,
Literary Hub,
16 June 2025
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Not just the owner of some of the best eyebrows of the moment, the ‘Levitating’ singer has the kind of clear, luminous skin that most of us can only dream of.—
Georgia Day,
Vogue,
12 June 2025
Adjective
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Second, a human must be kept in the loop of intelligent machine decision-making processes.—
John Werner,
Forbes.com,
8 June 2025
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In 1950 the Italian physicist Enrico Fermi was discussing the possibility of intelligent alien life with his colleagues.—
Philip Ball,
Wired News,
8 June 2025
Adjective
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The dog's most distinctive feature—a noticeable facial deformity—raised immediate questions.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 June 2025
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Even more notably, Tha Carter V sold a massive 480,000 units in its debut week back in 2018, underscoring a noticeable slide in first-week performance over the years.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
12 June 2025
Noun
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The voluminous gown featured shades of brown with jewel embellishments cascading down the bodice and skirt.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
9 June 2025
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There’s still a long, difficult road ahead before the jewel of the coast could separate from the city of San Diego and incorporate as its own municipality.—
Michael Smolens,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Brilliant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brilliant. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
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