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
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
-
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
-
The tunnel was discovered through intelligence work conducted by agents with the FGR's Criminal Investigation Agency in coordination with Mexico's Security Cabinet.—
Greg Wehner,
FOXNews.com,
2 June 2026
-
Pulte will remain as chairman of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and FHFA director in addition to acting as national intelligence director.—
Connor Greene,
Time,
2 June 2026
Noun
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Rollins didn’t just make some of the genre’s finest recordings; his muscular sound and intense intellect turned him into an embodiment of jazz itself.—
David A. Graham,
The Atlantic,
27 May 2026
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Their intellect is the highest intellect of any human being on the planet.—
Destiny Jackson,
Deadline,
26 May 2026
Noun
-
There’s a good reason that rooms come with binoculars because there is almost too much action to scope.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
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That depth was part of the reason the 2001-02 Kings went 61-21 and took the Los Angeles Lakers to seven games in the Western Conference Finals.—
Graham Womack,
Sacbee.com,
2 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gray matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gray%20matter. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
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