GRAY MATTERS Synonyms: 56 Similar and Opposite Words

gray matter

noun

Definition of gray matter

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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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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, 5 July 2026 The researchers measured the participants’ vitamin C levels using blood samples and performed MRI scans to calculate the volume of gray matter and white matter in their brains. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 16 June 2026 Results showed that participants with higher plasma vitamin C levels tended to have more gray matter volume and more connectivity in their default mode network than peers who had less vitamin C circulating in their blood. — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 10 June 2026 The clearest finding is a reduction in gray matter in areas of the brain linked to empathy, understanding other people’s perspectives and social bonds, Saxbe said. — Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 10 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for gray matter

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gray matter

Noun

Art—in the broadest sense—has been enlisted to this aim in the region at least once before, namely in the construction of hundreds of new churches during the spiritual low point of the immediate postwar period.

— Kristian Vistrup Madsen, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026
But cancer, a spinal issue, and three surgeries in three years changed my body and my sense of balance.

— Maribeth Romslo, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of sense

Noun

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meanwhile, repeated his warning Sunday that Iran or its proxies could launch an attack before the election to disrupt the vote, citing intelligence.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
What readers are saying The comments discuss a case involving a person who sent letters containing a suspicious substance, with many commenters criticizing the individual's intelligence for including his return address.

— Violet Jira, Washington Post, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of intelligence

Noun

Reducing Gulliver’s Travels to only a topsy-turvy tale of humans both tiny and massive is to ignore the savage intellect that penned its words.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026
Caught in that sensual music all neglect Monuments of unageing intellect.

— Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of intellect

Noun

For next year’s admissions, institutions would have to publish more detailed selection criteria and explain rejections when applicants request reasons.

— Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
For that reason, Republicans believe the seat is a likely pickup this fall in what is otherwise a difficult midterm environment.

— David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of reason

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gray market

gray matter

grayness

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“Gray matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gray%20matter. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of gray matter

noun

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