intelligent

adjective

in·​tel·​li·​gent in-ˈte-lə-jənt 

1

a

: having or indicating a high or satisfactory degree of intelligence and mental capacity

b

: revealing or reflecting good judgment or sound thought : skillful

2

a

: possessing intelligence

b

: guided or directed by intellect : rational

3

a

: guided or controlled by a computer

especially : smart sense 7c compare dumb sense 7

b

: able to produce printed material from digital signals

an intelligent copier

intelligential

in-ˌte-lə-ˈjen(t)-shəl 

adjective

intelligently

in-ˈte-lə-jənt-lē 

adverb

Synonyms of intelligent

• smart
• clever
• quick
• brilliant
• fast
• exceptional
• bright
• sharp

Choose the Right Synonym for intelligent

intelligent, clever, alert, quick-witted mean mentally keen or quick.

intelligent stresses success in coping with new situations and solving problems.

an intelligent person could assemble it fast

clever implies native ability or aptness and sometimes suggests a lack of more substantial qualities.

clever with words

alert stresses quickness in perceiving and understanding.

alert to new technology

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

Examples of intelligent in a Sentence

She asked some intelligent questions.

He's a hard worker but he's not very intelligent.

Recent Examples on the Web

For much of the world, the AI that would matter most may not be the most intelligent model ever built. — Keyu Jin, Time, 23 Oct. 2026

This all-loving creator is ever present, completely good, and the intelligent source of immortal truth and unending love. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 22 Oct. 2026

When an ingenious serial killer begins murdering Minneapolis citizens, Davenport, a brilliant polymath and unconventional investigator, takes the case, sparking an intense psychological duel with an equally intelligent adversary. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2026

Finally, grab 28% off the Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen), providing intelligent learning schedules and a stunning Dynamic Farsight display. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 22 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin intelligent-, intelligens, present participle of intelligere, intellegere to understand, from inter- + legere to gather, select — more at legend

First Known Use

circa 1540, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing intelligent

• hyper-intelligent
• intelligent design
• intelligent life

Rhymes for intelligent

• unintelligent

Kids Definition

intelligent

adjective

in·​tel·​li·​gent in-ˈtel-ə-jənt 

1

a

: possessing intelligence

humans are intelligent beings

b

: showing a higher than average degree of intelligence

an intelligent student

c

: revealing or reflecting good judgment or sound thought

an intelligent decision

2

: able to perform computing tasks : controlled by a computer

an intelligent terminal

intelligently adverb

Legal Definition

intelligent

adjective

in·​tel·​li·​gent

: having or indicating a high or satisfactory degree of intelligence and mental capacity

especially : having or indicating an understanding of the nature and consequences of an act or decision

a knowing and intelligent waiver of counsel

compare knowing

Note: Under Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966), a waiver of rights must be knowing and intelligent.

intelligently adverb