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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3

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
  • There seemed to be a rational acceptance of the outcome.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Therefore, the present work supports the belief that rational materials design at both the macro and atomic levels can solve long-standing challenges, according to a press release.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Multiple pockets help streamline organization as well, with a discreet zippered pocket on the back that keeps your cash or cards secure.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Consider installing a hook or series of hooks on the back of the bathroom door, in your closet, or in a discreet part of your bedroom.
    Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • A lot of clever stuff goes into this.
    Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 7 Nov. 2025
  • This clever coffee table’s top lifts smoothly and locks into place to create a dining area or workspace.
    Shea Simmons, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intelligent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intelligent. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on intelligent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!