intellectualist 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of intellectualistnext
as in intellectual
much given to learning and thinking a small cadre of intellectualist reformers who had no idea of the concerns of the common folk

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

intellectualist

2 of 2

noun

as in nerd
a person with strong intellectual interests being an intellectualist, he has little in common with the status-seeking philistines who live next door

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for intellectualist
  1. intellectual
  2. cerebral
  3. scholarly
Adjective
  • Living with the uncertainty about what the future might hold was exciting, overwhelming, an intellectual challenge as well as an emotional one.
    — Annie Karni, Vogue, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Her accomplishments reflect the creativity, intellectual curiosity, and ambition that define Rutgers graduates, and her connection to New Jersey makes this recognition especially meaningful.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of intellectual
Adjective
  • The cerebral Cady that Bardem inhabits spent nearly two decades in prison convicted for his wife’s murder.
    — Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026
  • His appreciation for Twardzik, a tough and cerebral floor general for the Portland Trail Blazers in the 1970s, is a deeper cut.
    — Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 30 July 2026
Definition of cerebral
Adjective
  • That means regular public access through exhibitions, posted hours, or tours, along with educational programs, lectures, and publications, scholarly research access, and rigorous cataloging.
    — Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Young told the court about his chaotic upbringing and his recent scholarly pursuits.
    — Julia M. Klein, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of scholarly
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Intellectualist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intellectualist. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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