BRILLIANT Synonyms: 365 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'brilliant' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of brilliant are bright , luminous , lustrous , and radiant . While all these words mean "shining or glowing with light," brilliant implies intense often sparkling brightness.

Q: When could 'bright' be used to replace 'brilliant'?

While in some cases nearly identical to brilliant , bright implies emitting or reflecting a high degree of light.

Q: When is it sensible to use 'luminous' instead of 'brilliant'?

While the synonyms luminous and brilliant are close in meaning, luminous implies emission of steady, suffused, glowing light by reflection or in surrounding darkness.

Q: When would 'lustrous' be a good substitute for 'brilliant'?

The words lustrous and brilliant can be used in similar contexts, but lustrous stresses an even, rich light from a surface that reflects brightly without glittering.

Q: Where would 'radiant' be a reasonable alternative to 'brilliant'?

Although the words radiant and brilliant have much in common, radiant stresses the emission or seeming emission of rays of light.

brilliant 1 of 2

adjective

ˈbril-yənt

Definition of brilliant next

as in dazzling

giving off or reflecting much light a brilliant chandelier graces the hotel lobby

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

as in prominent

likely to attract attention a brilliant example of government waste

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

brilliant

2 of 2

noun

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

rough

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective brilliant differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of brilliant are bright, luminous, lustrous, and radiant. While all these words mean "shining or glowing with light," brilliant implies intense often sparkling brightness.

When could bright be used to replace brilliant?

While in some cases nearly identical to brilliant, bright implies emitting or reflecting a high degree of light.

When is it sensible to use luminous instead of brilliant?

While the synonyms luminous and brilliant are close in meaning, luminous implies emission of steady, suffused, glowing light by reflection or in surrounding darkness.

When would lustrous be a good substitute for brilliant?

The words lustrous and brilliant can be used in similar contexts, but lustrous stresses an even, rich light from a surface that reflects brightly without glittering.

Where would radiant be a reasonable alternative to brilliant?

Although the words radiant and brilliant have much in common, radiant stresses the emission or seeming emission of rays of light.

Examples Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of brilliant

Adjective

Jared Isaacman is a brilliant choice for NASA administrator You’re all caught up. —

Julia Shapero, The Hill, 16 Dec. 2024 How brilliant of Olivieri to bake the secret right in. —

Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 15 Dec. 2024 And as somebody who cares a lot about my art, there’s nothing that excites me more than working with brilliant people for whom this is their passion, their vocation. —

Carita Rizzo, Deadline, 14 Dec. 2024 The lower circle glows a brilliant white in the dim light. —

Rm Clark, WIRED, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for brilliant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for brilliant

Adjective

Stroll through dazzling displays, shop at the holiday market, and catch holiday movies, fiestas and special events.

Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 17 Dec. 2024
From marveling at the cherry blossom trees in bloom to soaking in the dazzling lights of Tokyo Tower, the family seemingly made sure to take in as many sights as possible.

Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 17 Dec. 2024