brightness

noun

bright·​ness ˈbrīt-nəs How to pronounce brightness (audio)
Synonyms of brightnessnext
1
a
: the quality or state of being bright
also : an instance of such a quality or state
b
: luminance
2
: the attribute of light-source colors by which emitted light is ordered continuously from light to dark in correlation with its intensity compare hue sense 2c, lightness entry 1 sense 2a, saturation sense 4

Synonyms of brightness

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Examples of brightness in a Sentence

the brightness of the sunshine made me squint after an afternoon spent in a darkened movie theater
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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At this stage, astronomers can determine how the rock is spinning based upon changes in brightness. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026 Golden Blonde with Chunky Platnium Highlights Golden blonde gets a high-impact upgrade with chunky platinum highlights, which add contrast and brightness without sacrificing the warmth of the base. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 1 Sep. 2026 These zones adjust their brightness dynamically and intelligently according to real-time on-screen content, precisely dimming dark scene areas while maintaining pure and bright highlight details. — New Atlas, 31 Aug. 2026 The brightness and satisfying variety in textures and flavors brought me back to life after a long day of dancing and eating. — ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for brightness

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of brightness was before the 12th century

Rhymes for brightness

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Browse Nearby Words

bright navy
brightness
bright nile green
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Cite this Entry

“Brightness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brightness. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Medical Definition

brightness

noun
bright·​ness ˈbrīt-nəs How to pronounce brightness (audio)
: the one of the three psychological dimensions of color perception by which visual stimuli are ordered continuously from light to dark and which is correlated with light intensity compare hue, saturation sense 4a
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