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as in smart
having or showing quickness of mind proud parents typically insist that their child is intelligent way beyond his or her years his intelligent response to the emergency averted a disaster

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word intelligent distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of intelligent are alert, clever, and quick-witted. While all these words mean "mentally keen or quick," intelligent stresses success in coping with new situations and solving problems.

an intelligent person could assemble it fast

When is alert a more appropriate choice than intelligent?

While in some cases nearly identical to intelligent, alert stresses quickness in perceiving and understanding.

alert to new technology

When would clever be a good substitute for intelligent?

Although the words clever and intelligent have much in common, clever implies native ability or aptness and sometimes suggests a lack of more substantial qualities.

clever with words

When might quick-witted be a better fit than intelligent?

The words quick-witted and intelligent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, quick-witted implies promptness in finding answers in debate or in devising expedients in moments of danger or challenge.

no match for his quick-witted opponent

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 intelligent Elephants are highly intelligent animals adept at communication, using many different call types and gestures, signals, and postures to share knowledge and information. Tj Hutchinson, The Denver Post, 28 Jan. 2025 Nothing lights her fire more than an emotionally intelligent man. Joel Thayer, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025 As a mix of two energetic and intelligent breeds, Shepskies require substantial exercise, mental stimulation, and consistent training. Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025 Therefore, a comprehensive approach to data operations—including intelligent data management and adaptive data platforms—is essential for generating trustworthy insights. Pawan Vadapalli, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for intelligent 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intelligent
Adjective
  • But a good coach, a lot of good ideas, smart, good leadership.
    Charlotte Carroll, The Athletic, 29 Jan. 2025
  • To try to repeal the law to reintroduce wolves into Colorado is not a smart option.
    TJ Hutchinson, The Denver Post, 28 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • As brutal as the action looks on the surface, there is some rational trading taking place, even if some of the moves in individual stocks end up being overdone.
    Zev Fima, CNBC, 27 Jan. 2025
  • Our rational impulses are so automatic, and so strong, that we’re now faced with the problem of what to do with the irrational.
    Joshua Rothman, The New Yorker, 25 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Kate Middleton made a discreet but chic nod to Princess Diana on her first solo engagement of the year.
    Monique Jessen, People.com, 20 Jan. 2025
  • The device is small and discreet, featuring two side-facing amber lights and an optional rear-facing red light that's intended to boost visibility.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 19 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The couple shared news of their pregnancy during the Chiefs game against the New Orleans Saints on Oct. 7 in a clever way, which was a recreation of Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker's iconic pregnancy announcement at his Blink-182 concert in 2023.
    Skyler Caruso, People.com, 29 Jan. 2025
  • Much like in speed-dating, each booth boasted three adjectives about the breed in question (Jack Russell: friendly, clever, athletic; Pekingese: affectionate, loyal, regal in manner), as well as decorations evocative of their provenance.
    Chloe Malle, Vogue, 28 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Still, the Dodgers plan to be cautious with the right-hander at the outset of the 2025 season.
    Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025
  • People who are pregnant should be cautious, as flaxseeds might have mild hormonal effects.
    Johna Burdeos, Health, 20 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • One way to relieve those symptoms is with a quick walk.
    Audrey Noble, Vogue, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Smoothies are a staple for quick, on-the-go meals or snacks, offering convenience and versatility to fit any lifestyle.
    Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The moves alienated longtime shoppers who valued Kohl’s for its quality clothes at reasonable prices.
    Maria Sole Campinoti, CNN, 27 Jan. 2025
  • All of this could have been avoided with any number of reasonable, common-sense approaches to addressing homebuilding on a statewide basis.
    Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Orange County Register, 27 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Ensuring judicious deployment of enforcement resources.
    Alexandra Andhov, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
  • In such cases, judicious marksmanship would be greatly appreciated.
    Harper's Magazine, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near intelligent

Cite this Entry

“Intelligent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intelligent. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

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