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

In an age of intelligent machines, who gets to decide what is orthodox remains one of the most important questions a free society can ask. —Joseph Andrew, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026

Evangeline is an incredibly intelligent, talented, and heart-centered badass with the perfect voice for the project. —Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 12 June 2026

Once Sigur gets a move up the soccer ladder, as he is expected to this summer, the rest of the world will see what a dynamic, intelligent and creative defender and midfielder Sigur is. —Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 12 June 2026

PCMag expert Brian Westover praised the Surface Pro 2024 in his review, highlighting its seamless integration of AI tools through Windows 11 Copilot and calling it a standout for its intelligent features and robust hardware. —Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 12 June 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