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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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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 The star of the viral video, a Staffordshire bull terrier, is known for being an affectionate and intelligent breed with a big personality. Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025 Even as large language models such as ChatGPT superficially replicate ordinary speech, researchers want to know if there are specific aspects of human language that simply have no parallels in the communication systems of other animals or artificially intelligent devices. Steve Nadis, Quanta Magazine, 31 Oct. 2025 Just as steam power and electricity once transformed entire industries, today intelligent technologies—artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and digital platforms—are reshaping the foundations of commerce, competition, and capitalism itself. Klaus Schwab, Time, 30 Oct. 2025 With the excitement and delusion of Humbert Humbert imposing a purple-prose narrative on his pedophilic assumptions, Hank speaks of his former student like a James Dean figure — beautiful, brooding and quietly intelligent. Jourdain Searles, HollywoodReporter, 28 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intelligent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intelligent
Adjective
  • Food systems now account for about a third of global greenhouse gas emissions, but scientists say regenerative agriculture and climate-smart farming can help flip that into a future where farms also help grow climate solutions.
    Jeff Young, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Gerard Damiano was a smart guy, a hairdresser from the Bronx who directed Deep Throat and the follow-up, Devil in Miss Jones, which were killing it at the box office, high up on Variety’s Top 50 list of the highestgrossing films.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Eggers' stunning visuals and meticulous pace draw viewers into their increasingly desperate mania, gradually wedging open the door between rational interpretation and supernatural inescapability.
    Dennis Perkins, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Oct. 2025
  • The results showed that the chimps’ decisions aligned with rational patterns of belief revision.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Branding Some people like clothing with prominent branding, and others prefer their garments to be a bit more discreet.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 27 Oct. 2025
  • In winter 2025, shoes typically associated with our beloved grannies—think square-toe silhouettes, short block heels, and discreet buckles—have resurfaced as an elegant footwear alternative.
    Alex Sales, Glamour, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Fox’s costume is certainly clever — and on brand for Halloween — if not exactly tasteful.
    James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 31 Oct. 2025
  • The decor is relatively spare, allowing the natural materials to shine and emphasizing clever design tricks like the dining-table bench built into the back of the kitchen island.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Several prominent business leaders have already voiced cautious optimism, seeing in Mamdani a chance to reset the relationship between City Hall and commerce.
    Sally Susman, Time, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Taking the long view Many finance leaders remain cautious, viewing bitcoin as too volatile—especially recently—compared to traditional assets.
    Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Green was quick to point out that every team that has won a championship featured a strong defense.
    Jordy Fee-Platt, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The full selection, including Bib Gourmand restaurants (an honor that highlights restaurants offering high-quality food at reasonable prices), recognizes 228 restaurants spanning 44 cuisine types, shining a national and international spotlight on the varied cuisines and talented chefs of the South.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2025
  • The Penguins have a pretty reasonable amount of depth on the blue line, especially on the right side, which would make that move easier to absorb.
    Josh Yohe, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The prudent way forward ought then to be to read today’s many swirling war stories with greater acuity—or even to learn how to write an altogether different story.
    Elizabeth D. Samet, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025
  • This aligns with research showing that rural social identity predicts skepticism of external experts, illustrating a rural orientation toward prudent distrust.
    Scott R. Schell, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Intelligent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intelligent. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.

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