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
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
John Tamny, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
The Emerald Coast beaches have fine quartz crystal sand and brilliant green waters, which give the coastline its eponymous name.
—Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 8 June 2025
Gordon, 24, was brilliant for Newcastle in 2023-24, but last season was laborious from the start, with the England player unsettled by summer interest from Liverpool, then suspended for the cup final, before struggling to displace Barnes.
—Chris Waugh, New York Times, 6 June 2025
Hackman’s character, Royal Tenenbaum, is another intense father figure who, like Korda, is both brilliant and terrible.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for brilliant
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Adjective
The brilliant fruits of tessellated talents at opposite sides of the world.
—John Tamny, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
The Emerald Coast beaches have fine quartz crystal sand and brilliant green waters, which give the coastline its eponymous name.
—Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 8 June 2025
Gordon, 24, was brilliant for Newcastle in 2023-24, but last season was laborious from the start, with the England player unsettled by summer interest from Liverpool, then suspended for the cup final, before struggling to displace Barnes.
—Chris Waugh, New York Times, 6 June 2025
Hackman’s character, Royal Tenenbaum, is another intense father figure who, like Korda, is both brilliant and terrible.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for brilliant
Cite this Entry
“Brilliant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brilliant. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.
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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