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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Recent Examples of gray matter
Niotis added that neurodegenerative diseases cause accelerated brain shrinkage in specific regions of the brain like the gray matter.
—
Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 21 Nov. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for gray matter
Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 21 Nov. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for gray matter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gray matter
Noun
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Strategic shakeup Usually buying and selling is a cop out, but with where the Red Sox are in their competitive cycle the approach might make some sense.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
31 May 2026
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Goins said the turnout Saturday reflected a sense of unity and hoped the protest would serve as a path forward for change and empowering communities of color, especially.—
Molly Gibbs,
Mercury News,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
Tulsi Gabbard, who on May 22 announced her resignation as director of national intelligence, is expected to be at the Camp David meeting.—
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
27 May 2026
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And in a business where net margins routinely run below 5%, that intelligence, and every extra milkshake sold, adds up fast.—
Lily Mae Lazarus,
Fortune,
26 May 2026
Noun
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In my era, parents worried about television (and rock and roll) eating our intellect.—
Ann Kirschner,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2026
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Jokic and Doncic rely more on skill, pace and intellect than overwhelming athleticism or raw physical dominance.—
Bobby Burack OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
19 May 2026
Noun
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There is no good reason for what just happened over the past six days.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
27 May 2026
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At this point the Red Sox are in serious danger, and the only reason the club is even within striking distance of a playoff spot is because the rest of the American League has been so poor.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
27 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gray matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gray%20matter. Accessed 1 Jun. 2026.
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