brilliant crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the crossword clue "brilliant crossword clue", you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "brilliant crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
SHARP: Meaning quick-witted or intellectually keen.
6 Letters
CLEVER: Referring to mental agility or ingenuity.
GENIUS: Indicating exceptional intellectual ability.
7 Letters
RADIANT: Suggesting glowing with light or happiness; shining.
8 Letters
DAZZLING: Describing something incredibly bright or impressive.
INCISIVE: Pertaining to intelligent and clear analysis.
More About "brilliant crossword clue"
The word "brilliant" is a versatile clue in crosswords due to its multiple meanings. It can refer to high intelligence or exceptional skill, as in a brilliant scientist or a brilliant performance. This often leads to answers like GENIUS, CLEVER, or SHARP. These synonyms emphasize mental acuity and intellectual prowess, making them common solutions for such clues.
However, "brilliant" also strongly relates to light and radiance. A brilliant star, a brilliant diamond, or brilliant sunshine all evoke images of intense brightness or sparkle. In this context, answers like DAZZLING or RADIANT are highly relevant. Crossword setters often play on this duality, requiring solvers to consider the broader context of the puzzle or other intersecting words to determine the correct interpretation.
Furthermore, "brilliant" can simply mean excellent or outstanding. A brilliant idea, a brilliant plan, or a brilliant success would point to a general sense of superiority or high quality. Understanding these different facets of "brilliant" is key to successfully tackling such clues, as it helps you explore a wider range of potential answers beyond the most obvious ones.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always match the number of available squares to the potential answer. This immediately narrows down possibilities for ambiguous clues like "brilliant."
- Look for Contextual Clues: Pay attention to other words in the clue. "Brilliant mind" points to intelligence, while "brilliant light" points to brightness.
- Check Intersecting Words: The letters revealed by crossing answers are often the most crucial hint. They can confirm a specific synonym for "brilliant" or rule others out entirely.
- Think of Homographs/Homophones: While less common for 'brilliant', some clues use words that sound alike or are spelled the same but have different meanings. Always be aware of potential wordplay.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'brilliant' usually imply in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, 'brilliant' can refer to intelligence (e.g., smart, clever, genius), brightness (e.g., shining, radiant, dazzling), or excellence (e.g., outstanding, superb). The context of surrounding letters and other clues often helps narrow down the meaning.
How do I choose between synonyms for 'brilliant' when solving?
Consider the number of letters required for the answer. Also, look for other words in the clue that might hint at a specific nuance of 'brilliant' – for example, 'brilliant light' would lean towards radiant or dazzling, while 'brilliant mind' would point to clever or genius.
Are there common tricks related to 'brilliant' clues?
Sometimes, 'brilliant' might be used deceptively, pointing to something that shines (like a GEM or STAR) rather than an intellectual quality. Always be open to both literal and metaphorical interpretations.