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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gray matter
The gray matter in our brains as early teenagers is actually the fullest of our lives.
—
Kara Alaimo, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2026
The researchers found that those who passed the exam had an increase in gray matter and enhanced memory.
—Amanda Gardner, Martha Stewart, 8 Feb. 2026
White matter, so named because of a pale, fatty substance called myelin that wraps the bundles of nerves, carries information between gray matter areas like highways in the brain.
—Christopher M. Filley, The Conversation, 3 Feb. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for gray matter
Kara Alaimo, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2026
The researchers found that those who passed the exam had an increase in gray matter and enhanced memory.
—Amanda Gardner, Martha Stewart, 8 Feb. 2026
White matter, so named because of a pale, fatty substance called myelin that wraps the bundles of nerves, carries information between gray matter areas like highways in the brain.
—Christopher M. Filley, The Conversation, 3 Feb. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for gray matter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gray matter
Noun
-
Cancer season shifts your focus towards nurturing a felt sense of security.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
21 June 2026
-
Starmer has vowed to fight any leadership contest, deepening the sense of crisis within the Labour Party.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
20 June 2026
Noun
-
The versatility, the intelligence, the playmaking and that ineffable ability to win — the Frenchman was a basketball romantic’s dream.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
24 June 2026
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As these systems begin to mirror and amplify human intelligence, agency, and even our flaws, the stakes become existential.—
Dana Taylor,
USA Today,
23 June 2026
Noun
-
Odysseus is a warrior with wit and intellect, a con man and fabulist who constantly reinvents himself.—
David Denby,
New Yorker,
21 June 2026
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His immediate presence was one of sharp intellect, efficiency and modesty.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
17 June 2026
Noun
-
There are good reasons to do so again, though as contenders acquiring young talent is not a necessity for the Pacers.—
Tony East,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2026
-
However, Gen Zers also cited reasons for not finding such meaning.—
Avni Trivedi,
CNN Money,
24 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gray matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gray%20matter. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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