brilliance

noun

bril·​liance ˈbril-yən(t)s How to pronounce brilliance (audio)
Synonyms of brilliancenext
: the quality or state of being brilliant

Synonyms of brilliance

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Examples of brilliance in a Sentence

The professor was known for his brilliance. the brilliance of a diamond
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The Panthers ultimately emerged from Lincoln Financial Field with a 25-14 win over the Eagles — thanks to Tyus’ brilliance, an impressive season debut from right tackle Taylor Moton and excellence elsewhere across the roster. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 18 Oct. 2026 Peak fall color is still potential to be realized, a brilliance whose arrival is impending but unpredictable. — Dana Kelley, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026 But the 25-year-old, after a brief call-up in May, showed flashes of brilliance at the plate and on the field during his 38 games with the Braves before being sent back to Triple-A for the remainder of the season. — Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 15 Oct. 2026 The rounded, polished stones depart from the faceted brilliance traditionally prized in diamond jewelry, revealing another dimension of the material’s natural character. — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for brilliance

Word History

First Known Use

1748, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of brilliance was in 1748

Browse Nearby Words

brille
brilliance
brilliancy
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Cite this Entry

“Brilliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brilliance. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

brilliance

noun
bril·​liance ˈbril-yən(t)s How to pronounce brilliance (audio)
: the quality or state of being brilliant

More from Merriam-Webster on brilliance

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about brilliance

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