Definition of intellectualnext
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as in educational
of or relating to schooling or learning especially at an advanced level research that shows that people from very intellectual backgrounds are happiest with spouses having comparable educations

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

intellectual

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noun

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 intellectual
Adjective
From preschool through university, top-tier educational institutions anchor Ave Maria with an intellectual and cultural energy that enriches everyday life for residents of all ages. Ave Maria, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026 Needless to say Enola Holmes, Sherlock’s absolute intellectual equal, has plenty of that. Tomris Laffly, Variety, 30 June 2026
Noun
Black intellectuals such as Ralph Ellison knew this, too, despite living at a time when the lynchings of Black people were still a regular feature of American life. Thomas Chatterton Williams, The Atlantic, 8 June 2026 The demonization of minorities was nothing new, of course, but New York in the Seventies birthed a reactionary movement that was supported by politicians, public intellectuals, elites, and working people alike. Kevin Lozano, Harpers Magazine, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for intellectual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intellectual
Adjective
  • Spontaneous and slightly chaotic, this cerebral synergy can bring surprising news or perhaps even trigger the sudden urge to break out of a stagnant situation.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026
  • While Lovers Rock may be more musically spare and reserved, the album’s lyrics represent some of Adu’s most cerebral and political work to date.
    Al Shipley, SPIN, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • This approach is crucial for mitigating downsides and enhancing the benefits of AI for societal mental well-being.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • These holistic mental and physical wellness itineraries incorporate spa treatments and mindfulness modalities such as forest bathing and meditation, private pilates and yoga classes, and food made with organic, sustainable ingredients.
    Andrew Sessa, Robb Report, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • The decision severely hampered local planning for America’s 250th anniversary, disrupting history projects, museums and educational programs nationwide.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • This column is designed to be educational and informational only and should not be interpreted as medical advice.
    Joy Harden Bradford, AJC.com, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • Hunter Pence, a nerd at heart, spent money from his first paycheck to buy himself a gaming computer to play World of Warcraft.
    Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 24 June 2026
  • Design and photography nerds will appreciate the book’s beautiful layout, fun use of color, and stunning images; but this is, crucially, not the kind of book made just to look at.
    Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • Priya Bhardwaj does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
    Priya Bhardwaj, The Conversation, 22 June 2026
  • Students credit Burgess with helping shape not only their academic growth but also their confidence and character.
    Alexa Liacko, CBS News, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • The outcome is bound to escalate an internal Democratic debate that has been growing since Mamdani's win in New York City.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • While some attribute layoffs to post-pandemic corrections, not solely AI, the true test is whether these leaner structures can effectively foster internal leadership development.
    Cindy Rodriguez Constable, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • He was honored as a Distinguished Fellow by the same organization for his scholarly contributions to the field of regional science, according to his obituary.
    Chase Jordan July 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2026
  • Miami Circle gets historic recognition Carr and other experts, with the support of Ryan Wheeler, then the state’s chief of archaeology, built a case that gradually came to mainstream scientific and scholarly acceptance.
    Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • By now, however, most know him as the lovable, cello-playing geek Leonard Hofstadter who married the pretty blonde waitress.
    Lincee Ray, Entertainment Weekly, 15 June 2026
  • But in this literary theatre geek’s opinion—and, evidently, the voting public’s—there’s always room for more crossover acts.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 10 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Intellectual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intellectual. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.

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