bright 1 of 2

adjective

ˈbrīt How to pronounce bright (audio)
Definition of brightnext
1
as in shining
giving off or reflecting much light in the desert the sun was so bright that it hurt my eyes the moon is bright tonight

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2
as in illuminated
filled with much light the display windows of department stores are especially bright at Christmastime

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3
as in cheerful
having or showing a good mood or disposition always walks into work with a bright smile on his face

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4
as in intelligent
having or showing quickness of mind a company that is always looking for bright, ambitious college graduates

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5
as in promising
having qualities which inspire hope predicted a bright future for the young math whiz

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6
as in favorable
pointing toward a happy outcome all the signs are bright right now for an economic boom

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7
as in cheering
serving to lift one's spirits a bright and beautiful morning to begin planting our garden

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8
as in outstanding
standing above others in rank, importance, or achievement a bright new star on the operatic scene

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9
as in radiant
having or being an outward sign of good feelings (as of love, confidence, or happiness) a room full of summer interns with bright, eager faces

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10
as in sunny
not stormy or cloudy we'll have a picnic on the next bright day

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bright

2 of 2

adverb

as in brightly
in a manner marked by the shining or reflecting of much light the storm passed, and once again the sun shone bright

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective bright differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of bright are brilliant, luminous, lustrous, and radiant. While all these words mean "shining or glowing with light," bright implies emitting or reflecting a high degree of light.

When is brilliant a more appropriate choice than bright?

While the synonyms brilliant and bright are close in meaning, brilliant implies intense often sparkling brightness.

In what contexts can luminous take the place of bright?

While in some cases nearly identical to bright, luminous implies emission of steady, suffused, glowing light by reflection or in surrounding darkness.

When would lustrous be a good substitute for bright?

The meanings of lustrous and bright largely overlap; however, lustrous stresses an even, rich light from a surface that reflects brightly without glittering.

When might radiant be a better fit than bright?

Although the words radiant and bright have much in common, radiant stresses the emission or seeming emission of rays of light.

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of bright
Adjective
Some eggs are clean and bright (say, Siberian caviar); others are creamy, nutty, deeply savory, or more persistent (à la golden osetra). — Felipe Riccio, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2026 The fainter star is responsible for ejecting material, while its brighter companion helps shape the resulting nebula as the pair orbit each other. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026 Not in a city, where skylights glow and porch lights blaze, where shadows are mostly thrown by passing cars that appear to become the brightest object in the solar system briefly. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 14 Aug. 2026 The DeniBrite system taps into Novonesis’ enzymatic bleaching solution designed to help formulators and laundries create distinctive denim designs such as bright contrasts and vintage fades in a more sustainable way. — Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bright
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bright
  1. shining
  2. illuminated
  3. cheerful
  4. intelligent
  5. promising
  6. favorable
  7. outstanding
  8. radiant
Adjective
  • At a time of so much partisanship in Congress, especially related to health care, breakthrough legislation is a shining example of how commonsense policies that support patient care and innovation can achieve broad support.
    — Josh Makower, STAT, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Those memories will remain some of the most shining and unforgettable moments of my life.
    — Jeff Benjamin, Forbes.com, 12 Mar. 2026
Definition of shining
Adjective
  • While a thin sliver will remain illuminated by direct sunlight, most of the lunar surface will appear dramatically darkened with a subtle reddish-orange glow — reminiscent of a total lunar eclipse seen across North America on March 3.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The eatery features Midcentury Modern touches with curved cherry wood walls and paneled ceilings, as well as illuminated white onyx Corian surfaces.
    — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of illuminated
Adjective
  • Perhaps a more cheerful outlet for such fears is to become more frequent farmers market shoppers before the season ends.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
  • But for Miller, creating a cheerful classroom isn’t about filling every available space.
    — Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of cheerful
Adjective
  • That so many otherwise intelligent people missed the warning signs is a testament to the power of his message and the force of his charisma.
    — James Kirchick, The Atlantic, 13 Aug. 2026
  • For example, Anderson has one client who’s 35, good looking and tall and in finance, who also wants a gorgeous and intelligent girl.
    — Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of intelligent
Adjective
  • Why would a promising young researcher accept a faculty offer of $120,000 with uncertain employment prospects when a technology company or defense contractor offers $180,000 on the first day?
    — Francisco Ruiz, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
  • These businesses operate in promising markets, but their potential does not necessarily make Boeing their best long-term owner.
    — Alex Krutz, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of promising
Adjective
  • This year, however, the Supreme Court cleared the way for Alabama to use a map more favorable to Republicans, which eliminates one of Alabama's two majority-Black seats.
    — Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • This year's display is particularly favorable because the shower peaks on the night of the new moon, leaving skies free from bright moonlight that can wash out fainter meteors.
    — Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of favorable
Adjective
  • That vulnerable performance earned Ahmed an Emmy nomination for outstanding lead actor in a limited or anthology series or movie.
    — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Losing access to the credit card doesn't eliminate the outstanding balance, though.
    — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of outstanding
Adjective
  • Road trippers can spend the night at Red Cliffs Lodge Zion, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel, where award-winning interior design blends seamlessly with the panoramic sights of towering red rock and radiant fall foliage.
    — Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • For the movie's California premiere, the star, who is pregnant with her third child, looked radiant in a baby-blue mock-neck top featuring a mid-drift hem that perfectly framed her growing baby bump.
    — Morgan Evans, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of radiant

Browse Nearby Words

brigantines
bright
brighten
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Cite this Entry

“Bright.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bright. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of bright for Spanish Speakers

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