The Oxford Thesaurus An A-Z Dictionary of Synonyms - brilliant adj.

1) bright, shining, lustrous, radiant, resplendent, dazzling, luminous; incandescent, glittering, sparkling, scintillating, coruscating, twinkling, Formal effulgent: At the show I saw the most brilliant display of diamonds. 2) splendid, magnificent, superb, beautiful, distinguished, striking, glorious, remarkable, exceptional, outstanding: The audience rose for a standing ovation after the brilliant last movement of the concerto. 3) illustrious, famous, noted, celebrated, eminent, prominent, renowned, accomplished: Paul is one of the country's most brilliant chemists. 4) intelligent, clever, gifted, bright, talented, smart, expert, masterful, accomplished, ingenious, imaginative, creative; quick-witted, sharp-witted, keen-witted, enlightened; resourceful, discerning, able, competent: Goddard's brilliant mind understood principles of practical rocket flight.