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
Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Jan. 2026
Steph Curry was brilliant with 32 points on Wednesday night.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026
Nick Kroll’s new Netflix comedy series A Hundred Percent has a top-notch cast, including a reunion from FX’s The League for Kroll and the equally brilliant Jason Mantzoukas.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 7 Jan. 2026
At Square Peg, I was surrounded by more than two dozen filmmakers — all brilliant, all hand-selected — and exactly none were excited by the prospect of building audience or crafting distribution strategy.
—Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for brilliant
Adjective
Her Victoria Javadi is a 20-year-old wunderkind whose parents are both brilliant doctors working at the same hospital.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for brilliant
Adjective
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Just as Victor appeared to break open, Jackson leaped into the air, stretched his right arm skyward and pulled down a dazzling one-handed catch at the 3-yard line.—
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No longer limited to skulking around on a bar cart, metallic finishes like aluminum and brass are in the midst of a dazzling comeback.—
Adjective
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Each clever accessory is under $15 — that’s less than the cost of a sandwich special at my favorite deli.—
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With two bedrooms and two baths, the home is surprisingly expansive, boasting just under 2,400 square feet across its clever layout.—
Adjective
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Art enthusiasts Hans Ottinot, a prominent Broward attorney, and Nelson Adams, a Miami obstetrician associated with Jackson Memorial, are central to the museum’s dream team.—
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This pair, complete with the prominent markings always featured on the classic style, has a memory foam insert and a rubber sole that’s especially good for slippery winter weather.—
Noun
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Choudhary, a collector of contemporary art as well as Indian artifacts, considered a career in hospitality before he was seduced by the gems his family has traded for centuries.—
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Orio Extending from the coast, over the mountains, and then dropping into a valley anchored by a river, Orio is a beloved gem in the Basque Country.—
Adjective
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In the late afternoon light, the forest leaves were luminous.—
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If luminous primers weren’t your jam either, let this be your sign to finally give this one a try.—
Adjective
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Caterpillar’s intelligent product lineup spans core construction and earthmoving equipment, along with connected site systems.—
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Conversely, if these foundations can be reinforced, even partially, the intelligent age may yet fulfil its promise of progress.—
Adjective
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The tint is sheer and subtle but makes a noticeable difference in evening out skin tone and camouflaging discoloration.—
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While Reconcept recommends sessions of at least 30 minutes, shorter experiences can still produce noticeable effects.—
Noun
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Her Balenciaga gown featured a peplum-like petal detail to perfectly accentuate her baby bump, while a crystal brooch and Fred Leighton jewels added sparkle to her look.—
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There’s a broad consensus among them that these Baroque-era jewels are heirlooms to be treasured and gently ushered into the modern world without ripping out their soul.—
Cite this Entry
“Brilliant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brilliant. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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