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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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 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 cortex is composed of gray matter that’s responsible for high-level thinking, which plays a role in learning, memory, problem-solving, emotions and consciousness. — Sara Novak, Scientific American, 18 May 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 The gray matter in our brains as early teenagers is actually the fullest of our lives. — Kara Alaimo, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gray matter

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gray matter

Noun

In its evaluation, the committee cited the film’s polished craftsmanship and the clarity of its directorial vision, pointing to the tone and mise-en-scène that sustain a sense of pressure throughout the story.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026
To channel this sense of joyful minimalism, pair a bold color with playful accents, rich textures, and meaningful décor that brings personality to the space without overwhelming it.

— Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of sense

Noun

An Israeli military source told CNN the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had gathered intelligence on Turkey’s plans to deploy personnel, drones and air-defense systems at the site.

— Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
The dissident, Siamak Tadayon Tahmasbi, had been accused by Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence of directing terrorist plots tied to Israeli intelligence.

— Cora Engelbrecht, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of intelligence

Noun

Requiring personnel to document a legitimate law-enforcement reason and associated case number before conducting a license-plate search.

— Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
The intense interest in the case is one reason why her lawyers are pushing for a retrial – the town was so crowded that at one stage jury members shared a hotel with the prosecution team and an informant.

— Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of reason

Browse Nearby Words

gray market

gray matter

grayness

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Gray matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gray%20matter. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of gray matter

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on gray matter

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

devolve

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Commonly Misspelled Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Why do we say 'break a leg'?

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes