brilliant

1 of 2

adjective

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

brilliant

2 of 2

noun

: a gem (such as a diamond) cut in a particular form with numerous facets so as to have special brightness or brilliance

Illustration of brilliant

• 1 table
• 2 bezel
• 3 girdle
• 4 pavilion
• 5 culet

Synonyms

Adjective

• beaming
• bedazzling
• bright
• candescent
• clear
• dazzling
• effulgent
• fulgent
• glowing
• incandescent
• lambent
• lucent
• lucid
• luminous
• lustrous
• radiant
• refulgent
• sheeny
• shining
• shiny
• splendid

Noun

• gem
• gemstone
• jewel
• rock [slang]

Choose the Right Synonym for brilliant

bright, brilliant, radiant, luminous, lustrous mean shining or glowing with light.

bright implies emitting or reflecting a high degree of light.

brilliant implies intense often sparkling brightness.

radiant stresses the emission or seeming emission of rays of light.

luminous implies emission of steady, suffused, glowing light by reflection or in surrounding darkness.

lustrous stresses an even, rich light from a surface that reflects brightly without glittering.

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

Adjective

Negro and his team’s latest research suggests instead that the barn owl’s brilliant white plumage is in fact a form of nocturnal camouflage or counter-illumination that gives the hunter an element of surprise. —Katie Hunt, CNN, 17 Dec. 2024

Sherwood then iced the game with a brilliant defensive play while protecting the late 2-0 lead. —Harman Dayal, The Athletic, 17 Dec. 2024

Waning crescent moon, Venus and Regulus Those on the East Coast who look up and to the east Sept. 19 about 45 minutes before sunrise will see a crescent moon, Venus and brilliant star Regulus aligned. —Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024

Adult males are known for their ornaments — brilliant scarlet plumage and beak that contrast sharply with a coal black mask. —Grrlscientist, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

French brillant, present participle of briller to shine, from Italian brillare

Noun

borrowed from French brillant, noun derivative of brillant brilliant entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1681, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1690, in the meaning defined above

Kids 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