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.
But Havertz’s clever dummy for Odegaard’s goal was a reminder that assists and chances cannot capture every flash of creative brilliance. — Jack Lang, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026 Key dates this month Venus is about to blaze at peak brilliance, but this farewell performance comes with a challenge. — Joe Rao, Space.com, 5 Sep. 2026 This is Lebanese cuisine in all its familiar, surprising brilliance. — Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 2 Sep. 2026 Prince was indeed one of only one, a legendary artist and master musician with unprecedented style, faith, courage, dignity and brilliance. — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 28 Aug. 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 7 Sep. 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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