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
-
Staying here gives you a genuine sense of the city.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Kamaru’s album, unlike more conventionally soothing strains of ambient music, reflected that thrumming sense of disquiet.—
Philip Sherburne,
Pitchfork,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The platform acts as an intelligence layer that stitches together disparate systems and data within an organization.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
24 Feb. 2026
-
From intelligence, the defense minister said the military knew the kingpin's security detail was heavily armed – outfitted with long arms and rocket launchers – and troops planned for a siege.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Does this sound like a trivial use of the human intellect?—
Paul Keane,
Hartford Courant,
22 Feb. 2026
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Respected by colleagues and clients alike, Silvia has built a reputation defined by consistency, intellect, and integrity.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
But the plush Casada massage chair in the bedroom offers reason to part with sleep for a while.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Feb. 2026
-
The reason stores use first names — or first names and last initials — on name tags is to balance two reasonable, but competing, requirements.—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
25 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gray matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gray%20matter. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.
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