as in nerds
a person with strong intellectual interests
discovered that in politics a reputation for being an intellectual was regarded as a liability
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 intellectuals
The senatorial careers of these two statesmen illustrate — and clarify — the distinct contributions of intellectuals, purists and thought leaders on one hand and pragmatists, consensus builders and dealmakers on the other.
—
John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026
Watching all of these intellectuals reconnect, spar about their legacies, and continue to debate the very ideas that brought them together in the first place is a treat for scholars and history buffs.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 26 Jan. 2026
In the aftermath of the 2016 election, a small group of conservative intellectuals tried to reconcile their ideological movement with the man who now, improbably, sat atop it.
—Jason Zengerle, New Yorker, 24 Jan. 2026
Scientists were among the intellectuals and researchers who were killed and imprisoned and purged.
—Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 23 Jan. 2026
Some reformist intellectuals suggested that monarchist slogans were merely a means for Iranian youth and other citizens to channel their anger and frustration at the authorities rather than expressions of true support for Pahlavi.
—Eric Lob, The Conversation, 23 Jan. 2026
The 20th century led to a stronger simplification and standardization of men’s fashion, yet simultaneously witnessed the emergence of charismatic figures such as artists, intellectuals and icons of music and cinema, who reinstated ornamentation as a powerful means of individual expression.
—Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 16 Jan. 2026
Should be a fascinating account from one of our most important public intellectuals.
—Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026
The literary space has always been a realm where Black intellectuals, writers, and artists examine history, pontificate about the future, and survey dominant narratives.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 30 Dec. 2025
John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026
Watching all of these intellectuals reconnect, spar about their legacies, and continue to debate the very ideas that brought them together in the first place is a treat for scholars and history buffs.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 26 Jan. 2026
In the aftermath of the 2016 election, a small group of conservative intellectuals tried to reconcile their ideological movement with the man who now, improbably, sat atop it.
—Jason Zengerle, New Yorker, 24 Jan. 2026
Scientists were among the intellectuals and researchers who were killed and imprisoned and purged.
—Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 23 Jan. 2026
Some reformist intellectuals suggested that monarchist slogans were merely a means for Iranian youth and other citizens to channel their anger and frustration at the authorities rather than expressions of true support for Pahlavi.
—Eric Lob, The Conversation, 23 Jan. 2026
The 20th century led to a stronger simplification and standardization of men’s fashion, yet simultaneously witnessed the emergence of charismatic figures such as artists, intellectuals and icons of music and cinema, who reinstated ornamentation as a powerful means of individual expression.
—Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 16 Jan. 2026
Should be a fascinating account from one of our most important public intellectuals.
—Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026
The literary space has always been a realm where Black intellectuals, writers, and artists examine history, pontificate about the future, and survey dominant narratives.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 30 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intellectuals
Noun
-
SmackDown also features the return of Jade Cargill, who has come under fire by nerds online for not defending her WWE Women’s Championship for 70 days.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
-
In the world of comedy nerds, Bamford and her work are beyond well known.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
For airline geeks and loyal fans of the Emirates brand, the livery was probably the highlight announcement coming from Dubai this week.—
Paula Conway,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
That calculus mirrors the larger rethink going on among points geeks—and everyday travelers.—
Chris Dong,
Travel + Leisure,
13 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Intellectuals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intellectuals. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
