as in sense
the ability to learn and understand or to deal with problems
she's got the gray matter to figure that equation out
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gray matter
In the brain, MRI can differentiate between white matter and gray matter and can also be used to diagnose aneurysms and tumors.
—
Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 28 Oct. 2025
The researchers looked specifically at where gray matter (the body of a neuron) intersects with white matter (the long axons that project out of the cell body) — an area thought to be particularly vulnerable to head impacts.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Oct. 2025
Those with less social connection were also found to have smaller gray matter volume in regions of the brain associated with thinking and learning.
—Arianna Huffington, Time, 1 Oct. 2025
Some studies reported smaller gray matter volumes in children with ADHD compared to those without, while others showed no difference or even larger volumes.
—New Atlas, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gray matter
Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 28 Oct. 2025
The researchers looked specifically at where gray matter (the body of a neuron) intersects with white matter (the long axons that project out of the cell body) — an area thought to be particularly vulnerable to head impacts.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Oct. 2025
Those with less social connection were also found to have smaller gray matter volume in regions of the brain associated with thinking and learning.
—Arianna Huffington, Time, 1 Oct. 2025
Some studies reported smaller gray matter volumes in children with ADHD compared to those without, while others showed no difference or even larger volumes.
—New Atlas, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gray matter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gray matter
Noun
-
For the Staals, the technology offered a clear sense of what was happening inside Ethan just early enough to help him through it.—
Mayo Clinic News Network,
Boston Herald,
25 Jan. 2026
-
This popular usage makes abundant sense.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Piantedosi presided over a meeting of law enforcement and intelligence services on Tuesday to discuss security for the Games.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
28 Jan. 2026
-
As Moore’s Law continues to compound and intelligence moves decisively to the Edge, AI and Digital Twins are becoming foundational layers of the global economy.—
Phil Kafarakis,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
This immersion trained his instinct more than his intellect.—
Desjah Altvater,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
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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
-
The internet and Black art triggered awe for completely different, profound reasons.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Jan. 2026
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One reason is a viral video that shows Pretti standing over the body of a veteran who died and honoring his service.—
Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield,
CBS News,
28 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gray matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gray%20matter. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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