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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That’s not to say the decisions were easy and lacked a sense of foreboding.—
Michael Smolens,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
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February 19 – March 20 Small choices today create a sense of ease that lasts.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
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That’s true, said one former counterterrorism official with direct knowledge of the intelligence involved, but there was more to the story.—
Hannah Allam,
ProPublica,
21 Apr. 2026
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The collaboration connects the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) company’s supply chain intelligence platform—which enables brands to map suppliers, manage sourcing data and validate claims—with Trimco’s labeling, packaging and RFID infrastructure.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Footwear News,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Though an unabashedly liberal Democrat, Hart commanded respect from lawmakers of both parties for his intellect, decency and grit.—
John T. Shaw,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
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Propaganda was the art that conveyed—through emotions and even spirituality, not intellect—the all-encompassing ideology that ruled one’s life.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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But the status quo is upended by the arrival of Kyra Marshall (Anika Noni Rose), a woman with young kids who wants a stop sign for safety reasons.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Apr. 2026
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If nerves come up, that’s part of the process, not a reason to stop.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gray matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gray%20matter. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.
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