1
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
2
as in rational
having the ability to reason
there is some debate over whether dolphins are intelligent animals
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in discreet
having or showing good judgment and restraint especially in conduct or speech
the only intelligent response to such a tasteless joke is to quickly change the subject
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of intelligent
The discovery of microbial life in our cosmic neighborhood would drastically raise the probability that intelligent alien life exists beyond our solar system.
—
Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2025
And that could have an impact on the race between Washington and Beijing to dominate future-shaping industries such as AI, quantum computing, semi-conductors, biotech and intelligent military hardware.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
Advertisement Those who do will be rewarded with one of the year’s most intelligent, artful, and, yes, timely shows.
—Judy Berman, Time, 29 Sep. 2025
The format itself became part of the message — bold, intelligent and refreshingly different.
—Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intelligent
Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2025
And that could have an impact on the race between Washington and Beijing to dominate future-shaping industries such as AI, quantum computing, semi-conductors, biotech and intelligent military hardware.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
Advertisement Those who do will be rewarded with one of the year’s most intelligent, artful, and, yes, timely shows.
—Judy Berman, Time, 29 Sep. 2025
The format itself became part of the message — bold, intelligent and refreshingly different.
—Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intelligent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intelligent
Adjective
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Now, in a bid to address the issue, the researchers created a smart measurement and analysis system that can monitor the condition of the asphalt base layer nondestructively over a large area.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
1 Oct. 2025
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As with other home improvement supplies, retaining current paint colors is smart in case walls need touchups or a fresh coat.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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For Garner, footy is a bridge between the naturally martial instincts of men and the peace upon which rational civilization depends.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
28 Sep. 2025
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This conception of the self animates rational choice theory in the social sciences, with its reliance on the model of the utility-maximizing subject.—
Sophia Rosenfeld
September 26,
Literary Hub,
26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The lavish resort is a reconstructed Gilded Age hotel well-rehearsed in being discreet.—
Bryan West,
USA Today,
29 Sep. 2025
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The Zurich Summit, the film industry sidebar of the Zurich Film Festival, is leaning into the city’s reputation as a global banking hub to strengthen its role as a discreet meeting point for financiers and filmmakers.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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From the cool, dank blue-gray tones of Maria’s basement to the clever signage that adorns the schoolroom walls, the production mechanics work to pull viewers further into this high stakes character study.—
Holly Jones,
Variety,
26 Sep. 2025
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Adding a daybed in gingham, especially one done up in the coastal blue Perennials upholstery that winks at Dorothy’s iconic dress, is a clever way to play up the timeless print when brainstorming a new bedroom furniture layout.—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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During the preview, a mischievous group of young diplodocus splash in the water around a pair of kayaking guests, while other juveniles like the triceratops are more cautious in nature, choosing to stick close to their parents.—
Griff Griffin,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Sep. 2025
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The Dodgers are being cautious.—
Barry M. Bloom,
Sportico.com,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Bitcoin is up about 25% this year, rising as more Wall Street institutions embrace the cryptocurrency and global investors begin to view it as a reputable portfolio allocation and not just a quick trading vehicle.—
Fred Imbert,
CNBC,
1 Oct. 2025
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Its silicone design sits comfortably on the face, while quick preset modes make treatments simple to fit into daily life.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The commission tabled the item to provide more time for Experience Fayetteville staff to evaluate the worth of the property, the house's annual expenses, a reasonable market-rate rent range and the total cost of repairs to the property paid for by Experience Fayetteville.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
30 Sep. 2025
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The federal law requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for workers with disabilities unless doing so would cause undue hardship.—
Shambhavi Rimal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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His recommendation directly contradicts the current medical consensus that judicious Tylenol use in pregnancy remains safe.—
Edith Bracho-Sanchez,
CNN Money,
26 Sep. 2025
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Bauer, an epidemiologist at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, and her team called for more judicious use of the drug until the science is settled.—
Amy Maxmen,
ABC News,
23 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Intelligent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intelligent. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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