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
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
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
See All Example Sentences for gray matter
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
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
See All Example Sentences for gray matter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gray matter
Noun
-
A little over 300 days ago, Manchester City found themselves in a state of tactical flux, preparing for a crucial Champions League tie at the Santiago Bernabeu with a sense of dread.—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
10 Dec. 2025
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There will be plenty of other teams with interest in adding him, but the Hoosiers would make a ton of sense.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
The midwife’s hand was a gender-bending invention of the Enlightenment, combining the intelligence and strength of a man’s touch with the sensitive delicacy of a woman’s.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
16 June 2026
-
Her fierce intelligence helps paper over some of the screenplay’s rougher transitions, and even lends a measure of legibility to Sylvia’s sudden coldness.—
Natalia Winkelman,
Variety,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
The gulf between their two worlds is wide, and Jude straddles it with wide-ranging intellect and his characteristic impish wit, while also telling a surprisingly heartfelt story about the lengths to which a mother will go for love.—
Christopher Vourlias,
Variety,
11 June 2026
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Luna spends the day in the socially conscious sign of Aquarius, shifting the emotional tone toward intellect, perspective, eccentricity and detachment.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
5 June 2026
Noun
-
Still, there’s a reason to talk to Rizzo now, with the Nationals surprisingly in the thick of a National League wild-card race that will take shape over the course of the summer.—
Barry Svrluga,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
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Many fans cited transportation logistics and enhanced security measures as key reasons for the delays.—
Abby Dodge,
CBS News,
17 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gray matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gray%20matter. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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