cerebral

adjective

sə-ˈrē-brəl How to pronounce cerebral (audio)
Definition of cerebralnext
1
as in intellectual
much given to learning and thinking a very cerebral jurist who has given much thought to what makes our nation's constitution work

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in mental
of or relating to the mind a young man given more to cerebral pursuits than to sporting activities

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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 cerebral 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 This is a nation now famous for centre-backs rather than cerebral centre-forwards in the Marco van Basten, Dennis Bergkamp or Robin van Persie mould. — James Horncastle, New York Times, 30 June 2026 Maher is more prickly and cerebral, which doesn't carry over as well. — Andy Hoglund, Entertainment Weekly, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for cerebral
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cerebral
  1. intellectual
  2. mental
  3. internal
  4. inner
  5. interior
  6. psychological
Adjective
  • Neill is great at balancing the aggro energy of Zane with his intellectual, compassionate style.
    — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 14 July 2026
  • Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disorder that leads to memory loss and other intellectual inabilities.
    — Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
Definition of intellectual
Adjective
  • One way to begin is with the mental and physical reset provided by the Crossings Ceremony, the most recent addition to Miraval Austin’s Life in Balance Spa offerings.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 16 July 2026
  • Together these results helped establish the concept of cognitive reserve, the idea that lifelong mental activity may protect thinking and memory even when disease is present in the brain.
    — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026
Definition of mental
Adjective
  • This bill backs scientific evidence showing morning light is better for students because of the body’s internal regulation, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
    — Mary Ella Hastings July 14, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2026
  • Suppliers can upload data straight from internal systems, pull details out of documents automatically and use Novata’s benchmark library to fill in gaps.
    — Arthur Zackiewicz, Footwear News, 14 July 2026
Definition of internal
Adjective
  • Aortic dissections occur when the inner layer of tissue in the aorta, which carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body, ruptures.
    — Veronique Greenwood, Time, 13 July 2026
  • Starting from slightly above the inner corner of your eye (above the inside wing), use the length of your brush to connect both ends.
    — Dominic Cadogan, Glamour, 13 July 2026
Definition of inner
Adjective
  • If no shelter is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows.
    — CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
  • Reaching the waterfall feels like moving through the interior soul of Samaná.
    — Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
Definition of interior
Adjective
  • However, his calm demeanor and astute in-game changes have helped the Selecao overcome deficits and build psychological resilience.
    — Chris Evans, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • The mask can act as a psychological barrier too, helping the athlete overcome fears of further trauma.
    — Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Definition of psychological

Browse Nearby Words

ceramics
cerebral
cerebral palsy
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Cite this Entry

“Cerebral.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cerebral. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cerebral

Nglish: Translation of cerebral for Spanish Speakers

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