brilliant
8 synonyms and 0 antonyms for brilliant, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Shining very brightly.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use brilliant
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
In British English, "brilliant" is also common as an informal exclamation meaning "great" or "excellent".
Etymology
Borrowed from French brillant, the present participle of briller ("to shine"), ultimately traced back to Latin beryllus ("beryl, gemstone").
Full origin of brilliant →Frequently asked questions
What does “brilliant” mean?
The word “brilliant” means shining very brightly. In plain terms, very bright, or extremely clever/impressive.
How do you pronounce “brilliant”?
“Brilliant” is pronounced BRIHL-yuhnt (/ˈbɹɪljənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “brilliant” in a sentence?
Here is “brilliant” used in a sentence: “The sky was a brilliant shade of blue.”
What part of speech is “brilliant”?
Depending on how it is used, “brilliant” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “brilliant” come from?
The word “brilliant” comes from Latin. Borrowed from French brillant, the present participle of briller ("to shine"), ultimately traced back to Latin beryllus ("beryl, gemstone").
Is “brilliant” a common word?
“Brilliant” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “brilliant” have?
“Brilliant” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: shining very brightly.
Does brilliant mean bright or clever?
Both. Its original sense describes light — something shining very brightly, like brilliant sunshine or a brilliant diamond. Over time it also came to mean extremely clever or impressive, as in a brilliant idea or a brilliant student. In British English it is also used casually to mean 'great' or 'wonderful.'
What is the difference between brilliant and bright?
Bright simply means giving off a good amount of light. Brilliant is far more intense — it suggests dazzling, sparkling brightness that stands out and catches the eye. A room can be bright, but a diamond or a burst of sunlight is brilliant. Brilliant is the stronger, more vivid of the two.
Is brilliant a positive word?
Yes, strongly positive. Whether describing dazzling light, a clever mind, or an excellent performance, brilliant always carries admiration. It is one of the most enthusiastic ways to praise something in everyday English, especially in Britain, where 'Brilliant!' is a common exclamation of delight or approval.
What is an example of brilliant describing light?
You might describe brilliant sunshine pouring through a window, the brilliant glare of stage lights, or a brilliant blue sky on a clear day. It suits anything that shines intensely — polished gems, bright flames, or vivid colours. The word paints a picture of light that is vivid and almost dazzling.