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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.

Mel has since undergone intensive therapy with a psychologist arranged through her GP who she said was "brilliant".

From BBC • Apr. 12, 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

And as Rose wobbled, McIlroy continued to produce a string of brilliant shots to retake the lead.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

From DeLorean to Tucker, the road to building a better car is littered with brilliant ideas and empty bank accounts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

One day a few years earlier, brilliant pink blossoms bloomed on the crape myrtle that Connie had planted in our yard.

From "Reaching for the Moon" by Katherine Johnson

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!