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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.

Justice Thomas’s remarks were brilliant and he raised numerous excellent points.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

And after the brilliant shootout birdie that beat Scheffler for his most recent win, Fitzpatrick borrowed an analogy from his other sporting passion, football.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

"He was brilliant for us and was one of those special horses."

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

Their crushing victory, which Miller called “the most brilliant ever fought in South America,” sealed the fate of Spanish America.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

“Oh boy Du Bois! You don’t know Grandpa Doc? He’s our father’s father, and he’s one of the most brilliant Manifestors in the world.”

From "The Manifestor Prophecy" by Angie Thomas

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"

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

"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!