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Definitions

brilliant

[bril-yuhnt] / ˈbrɪl yənt /
ADJECTIVE
shining, glowing in appearance
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bright dazzling flashy intense luminous radiant scintillating sparkling vivid
WEAK
ablaze clinquant coruscating effulgent fulgent gleaming glittering glossy incandescent lambent lucent lustrous refulgent resplendent showy
Antonyms
STRONGEST
cloudy dark dim dull gloomy obscure
WEAK
dulled normal stupid typical unaware unintelligent
ADJECTIVE
famous, outstanding
Synonyms
STRONGEST
distinguished excellent exceptional glorious magnificent splendid superb
WEAK
celebrated eminent illustrious prominent
Antonyms
STRONGEST
bad common inferior insignificant ordinary poor regular second-rate unnoteworthy usual
WEAK
dark dull dulled normal stupid typical unaware unintelligent
ADJECTIVE
very intelligent
Synonyms
STRONGEST
accomplished astute bright gifted ingenious inventive sharp smart talented
WEAK
Einstein acute brainy clever discerning eggheaded expert genius intellectual knowing knowledgeable masterly penetrating profound quick quick-witted whip whiz kid
Antonyms
STRONGEST
dull ignorant inept slow stupid unintelligent unstylish
WEAK
dark dulled normal typical unaware

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He managed that with some brilliant scrambling and play around the greens.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

"This was just brilliant, this is what a great choir is all about - having fun, great song choices, great leader, seriously," he said.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

Gina: Has had a brilliant season with victories at Leopardstown and Cheltenham preceding a second-placed finish in the Cross Country race at the Festival.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

"From a US perspective, I would say the US was operationally brilliant but the conflict was strategically indecisive," said Singh, now managing director at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

There, he said, he planned to “draft a new letter to my potential investors. Racing wolves! Half-human child jockeys! It’s one brilliant moneymaking scheme after another!”

From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood

Vocabulary lists containing brilliant

All Aglow: Light Lingo

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Bright Ideas: Synonyms For "Smart"

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"Casey at the Bat"

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!