as in intellectual
much given to learning and thinking
finally, a TV series that appeals to a highbrow audience
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in nerd
a person with strong intellectual interests
guests at her elegant dinner parties are a mix of the city's highbrows and captains of industry
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of highbrow
David Denby, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025
This one, with its crispy edges and bubbling, cheesy topping, is impossible for even your most highbrow guests to resist.
—Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Nov. 2025
Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 22 Sep. 2023
Tár is its highbrow counterpart, teasing and celebrating the same personal crisis and class issues.
—Armond White, National Review, 27 Jan. 2023
See All Example Sentences for highbrow
Adjective
That was broad enough comedy, but highbrow shenanigans can leave people feeling left out.
—David Denby, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025
This one, with its crispy edges and bubbling, cheesy topping, is impossible for even your most highbrow guests to resist.
—Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Nov. 2025
Noun
The roll call of films ranges from the highbrow to the decidedly grungy, the menu of a true movie fanatic.
—Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 22 Sep. 2023
Tár is its highbrow counterpart, teasing and celebrating the same personal crisis and class issues.
—Armond White, National Review, 27 Jan. 2023
See All Example Sentences for highbrow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for highbrow
Adjective
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Since taking the post, Inboden has criticized universities as straying from their mission, saying universities must restore intellectual diversity and their civic responsibilities.—
Austin American Statesman,
Austin American Statesman,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Since 1989, Country Montessori School has been helping children develop their intellectual, physical, social, and emotional potential to the fullest.—
Jose Bolanos,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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By this point, Fripp was well-known for his cerebral nature.—
Sam Sodomsky,
Pitchfork,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Her work is known for its cerebral quality and an intimate connection to history, identity and art.—
Miles Socha,
Footwear News,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Dunn wanted the property to be used as a scholarly and artistic retreat.—
Mary Divine,
Twin Cities,
7 Jan. 2026
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Rather than relying on decorative excess, the library’s pietra serena framework underscores its role as a working scholarly space.—
Navya Verma,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Highbrow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/highbrow. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
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