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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 The child developed spastic cerebral palsy and was believed to have cerebral visual impairment. — Inaya Folarin Iman, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026 With both of these planets transiting Air signs, there is a cerebral side to this alignment, presenting the opportunity to channel feelings of restlessness into something resourceful. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026 When he was hired in January, the prevailing thought was that the cerebral partnership between McDaniel and Herbert would prove a perfect match. — Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026 Yet despite the technical wizardry—dry-aging, fermentation, curing, meticulous butchery—the dishes never feel overly cerebral. — Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 15 Sep. 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
  • But Hamilton craved a broader intellectual tradition for his faith.
    — Emma Green, New Yorker, 29 Oct. 2026
  • At the same time, their societies are also strengthened by their intellectual prowess.
    — Mattanjah de Vries, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of intellectual
Adjective
  • Still, the very idea of such a thing freezes my brain, locking it into a mental feedback loop that’s the equivalent of running around in a tight circle flapping my arms wildly and screaming.
    — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Livia Gershon considers the role of mental hospitals in horror.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of mental
Adjective
  • In internal studies, Adalat has seen major improvements in the number of witnesses heard and orders issued at courts that use its tools, which have reached more than 6,000 courtrooms across 11 states.
    — Zoë Schiffer, semafor.com, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal strategy.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of internal
Adjective
  • That year, Samsung released one of its first folding devices, and reviewers quickly found that its inner screen cracked during normal use.
    — Kif Leswing,MacKenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026
  • His Yeoville Dinner Club, found on the main street of the immigrant-rich inner Johannesburg neighborhood, is now in its 10th year.
    — Leah Quinn, semafor.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of inner
Adjective
  • Now, there’s an interior snap system to pair with their tote inserts or snap-on organizational accessories.
    — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Above its three-story concrete lower walls the gallery’s structure becomes a lean, self-supporting steel diagrid (think of a giant Erector Set) that wraps around the orbiter without interior walls or columns.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of interior
Adjective
  • Some developed psychological illnesses or died within a few years from physical ailments.
    — Jieun Baek, Foreign Affairs, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Tailoring feedback according to driver profiles transforms performance reviews into meaningful opportunities for growth, strengthening psychological safety throughout the enterprise.
    — Gia Tskhovrebadze, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 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 1 Nov. 2026.

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