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
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
Some studies reported smaller gray matter volumes in children with ADHD compared to those without, while others showed no difference or even larger volumes.
—New Atlas, 8 Sep. 2025
This town is built with two primary materials: white and gray matter.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for gray matter
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
Some studies reported smaller gray matter volumes in children with ADHD compared to those without, while others showed no difference or even larger volumes.
—New Atlas, 8 Sep. 2025
This town is built with two primary materials: white and gray matter.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for gray matter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gray matter
Noun
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So there's really no choice but for the four major conference commissioners to compile a set of rules and guidelines that make at least a marginal bit of sense.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Create a sense of order by clearing those surfaces of holiday-specific decor.—
Kristin Hohenadel,
The Spruce,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Many of these soldiers are still involved in supporting Ukraine, including by providing intelligence, logistics, and training assistance worth at least tens of billions per year.—
Jennifer Kavanagh,
Washington Post,
9 Jan. 2026
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The hackers accessed emails for staffers on the China, foreign affairs, intelligence, and armed services committees, according to a new Financial Times report.—
Andrew Nusca,
Fortune,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The persecution of Trotsky and the Moscow Trials, which caused a rift in the American left, revealed the weakness of Cowley’s party-line political thinking, just as all his other work demonstrated the scope of his literary intellect.—
Vince Passaro,
Harpers Magazine,
30 Dec. 2025
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Mister Terrific emerges as one of Superman’s smartest anchors, threading intellect through a story preoccupied with power, trust, and what the world expects its heroes to be.—
Kathleen Newman-Bremang,
Refinery29,
30 Dec. 2025
Noun
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During pregnancy, common reasons for seeking care include early labor, bleeding, changes in fetal movement, or high blood pressure.—
MemorialCare Medical Group,
Oc Register,
10 Jan. 2026
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One reason the design concept endures is the sink's functionality within the kitchen's larger scheme.—
Kristina McGuirk,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gray matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gray%20matter. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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