as in intelligence
the ability to learn and understand or to deal with problems
you have the brains to figure out that problem on your own
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 brains
Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2026
More than 90% of the 376 former NFL players’ brains studied were identified as having this degenerative disease, which is strongly associated with dementia.
—Eleanor M. Perfetto, STAT, 7 Feb. 2026
In that sense, wetware computing is less about building artificial brains and more about widening the set of tools available to computation itself.
—Matthew S Williams, Interesting Engineering, 5 Feb. 2026
Democrats who take the 2028 stakes seriously should stick to just using their brains.
—Bret Stephens, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026
Continue reading … ANTI-AGING SECRET – One particular lifestyle activity keeps brains sharp.
—FOXNews.com, 4 Feb. 2026
The state and national pageants showcase the talents, brains and looks of the woman synonymous with American beauty.
—Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 4 Feb. 2026
Additionally, teen brains are still developing, particularly in the areas related to impulsivity and decision-making, says Erin Palmwood, PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist, neuroscience researcher, and college professor with Soleil Psychology.
—Sherri Gordon, Parents, 3 Feb. 2026
Leaders like Goldman Sachs’ David Solomon say experience trumps everything in business—including brains.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 1 Feb. 2026
Noun
But there are plenty of brains in that brain trust, from Spoelstra to Pat Riley to Andy Elisburg to Adam Simon to Eric Amsler to Keith Askins to Nick Arison to Micky Arison.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2026
More than 90% of the 376 former NFL players’ brains studied were identified as having this degenerative disease, which is strongly associated with dementia.
—Eleanor M. Perfetto, STAT, 7 Feb. 2026
In that sense, wetware computing is less about building artificial brains and more about widening the set of tools available to computation itself.
—Matthew S Williams, Interesting Engineering, 5 Feb. 2026
Democrats who take the 2028 stakes seriously should stick to just using their brains.
—Bret Stephens, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026
Continue reading … ANTI-AGING SECRET – One particular lifestyle activity keeps brains sharp.
—FOXNews.com, 4 Feb. 2026
The state and national pageants showcase the talents, brains and looks of the woman synonymous with American beauty.
—Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 4 Feb. 2026
Additionally, teen brains are still developing, particularly in the areas related to impulsivity and decision-making, says Erin Palmwood, PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist, neuroscience researcher, and college professor with Soleil Psychology.
—Sherri Gordon, Parents, 3 Feb. 2026
Leaders like Goldman Sachs’ David Solomon say experience trumps everything in business—including brains.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 1 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brains
Noun
-
Benedict Cumberbatch will undoubtedly bring the intelligence, depth, and moral complexity this role demands.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
3 Feb. 2026
-
These ultraintelligent children, affectionately dubbed Termites, grew into generally healthy and successful adults who finished college, registered patents, and published papers at far higher rates than their counterparts of average intelligence.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
This immersion trained his instinct more than his intellect.—
Desjah Altvater,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
-
While the likes of Philo and Trotter have expanded upon the idea by prioritizing people whose intellects align with their brand values, Jacquemus takes it to another level.—
Hannah Jackson,
Vogue,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
This piece leans into the jewelry aspect of watch-making, exuding a sense of opulence perfect for a night out.—
John Monaco,
InStyle,
7 Feb. 2026
-
Although many modern artists have used collage to navigate and interpret the impersonal detritus of mass culture, Canty’s work, with its understated sense of place, is quite different.—
Benjamin Lima
Special Contributor,
Dallas Morning News,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
There are, once again, a few reasons for this.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
4 Feb. 2026
-
The 2026 reason to sending rockets into space has to do with infrastructure — first, internet satellites, and now, AI data centers in orbit, Bloomberg’s Matt Levine writes.—
semafor.com,
semafor.com,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
These are in addition to private members clubs The Wilde and Cipriani, among other highlights.—
Luisa Zargani,
Footwear News,
16 Jan. 2026
-
Shane Stant clubs Kerrigan on the knee and flees the scene.—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
To understand what’s next, follow the flow of money and brainpower.—
Diane Brady,
Fortune,
9 Dec. 2025
-
But the Lambert High School team had advantages, beyond audacity and brainpower.—
Bill Whitaker,
CBS News,
1 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
That put heavy minutes on the five healthy blue-liners and required the Blue Jackets’ forwards to help those defensemen play with minimal physical contact, which only saps more energy.—
Aaron Portzline,
New York Times,
12 Jan. 2026
-
An overreliance on tools weakens our civilization (and saps the film’s dramatic thrills).—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Brains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brains. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
