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
Long-term, alcohol damages the brain by shrinking white and gray matter, dulling rewards, and overactivating the stress system.
—
Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 6 Nov. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for gray matter
Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 6 Nov. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for gray matter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gray matter
Noun
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Much of the crowd has–or knows someone who has, contributed to the sense of community that permeates the space.—
Jessica Chapel,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Feb. 2026
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As a three-term Mecklenburg County commissioner, my daily concern is delivering common-sense solutions to our problems as efficiently as possible to keep the tax rate low.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
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An array of former intelligence and law enforcement officials have received subpoenas in the investigation.—
Eric Tucker,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
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About 13 million barrels per day of crude oil transited the Strait of Hormuz in 2025, accounting for roughly 31% of global seaborne crude flows, data provided by market intelligence firm Kpler showed.—
Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Duncan will recur as Mimir, a cheery fellow from Celtic lands with an expansive intellect, a quick wit and a good head on his shoulders.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
30 Jan. 2026
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What came to him naturally was his intellect.—
Kevin Kruse,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Lawmakers in New Mexico also cited the intense immigration enforcement efforts in Minnesota as a reason to limit cooperation with ICE.—
David A. Lieb,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
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While Western thought often separates the two, in Chinese culture, emotion and reason are more deeply intertwined.—
Precious Adesina,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gray matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gray%20matter. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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