Illustration of brilliant
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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
Synonyms
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
Robert Ross, Robb Report, 22 Nov. 2024
Larson adds a healthy dose of sarcasm to undercut her character’s immense power, and Jackson is eerily brilliant, making for a super fun 123 minutes.
—Jennifer M. Wood, WIRED, 21 Nov. 2024
Lady Belle, the Governor’s daughter, is a brilliant and captivating woman who captures Dodger’s heart and is determined to make history as the first female surgeon.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 20 Nov. 2024
The brilliant multidisciplinary artist and her husband, Bill Miller, a former vice president at Morgan Stanley, were holding court at a spindly cocktail table.
—Helen Holmes, ARTnews.com, 19 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for brilliant 
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Adjective
Its lines—especially in profile—are emphatic yet simple, with subtle contours enhanced by delicate A and C pillars allowing expansive glass all around, one reason these cars are so brilliant to drive.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 22 Nov. 2024
Larson adds a healthy dose of sarcasm to undercut her character’s immense power, and Jackson is eerily brilliant, making for a super fun 123 minutes.
—Jennifer M. Wood, WIRED, 21 Nov. 2024
Lady Belle, the Governor’s daughter, is a brilliant and captivating woman who captures Dodger’s heart and is determined to make history as the first female surgeon.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 20 Nov. 2024
The brilliant multidisciplinary artist and her husband, Bill Miller, a former vice president at Morgan Stanley, were holding court at a spindly cocktail table.
—Helen Holmes, ARTnews.com, 19 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for brilliant
Dictionary Entries Near brilliant
Cite this Entry
“Brilliant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brilliant. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
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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