as in nerds
a person with strong intellectual interests
discovered that in politics a reputation for being an intellectual was regarded as a liability
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Recent Examples of intellectuals
Black intellectuals such as Ralph Ellison knew this, too, despite living at a time when the lynchings of Black people were still a regular feature of American life.
—
Thomas Chatterton Williams, The Atlantic, 8 June 2026
The demonization of minorities was nothing new, of course, but New York in the Seventies birthed a reactionary movement that was supported by politicians, public intellectuals, elites, and working people alike.
—Kevin Lozano, Harpers Magazine, 2 June 2026
Consequently, teleSUR often manages to obtain firsthand information from a representative network of nongovernmental organizations, political parties, unions, intellectuals, human rights defenders, and minorities, among others.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 May 2026
Huxley might easily have written a simpler novel glorifying intellectuals while mocking Stoyte’s greed and indifference to suffering.
—Literary Hub, 21 May 2026
There's a lot of talk about the Cubans and exiles and civil society outside of Cuba, but Luis Manuel is basically reminding everybody that there is this civil society inside of Cuba, that there are intellectuals and thinkers and artists and writers who are really trying to get change done in Cuba.
—Dana Taylor, USA Today, 14 May 2026
In the 19th century, these estates drew English and American poets, artists, and intellectuals, who would meet and exchange ideas amid all this natural beauty.
—Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 1 May 2026
In recent weeks, politicians, activists, and intellectuals have published articles and issued statements warning of Cuba’s humanitarian crisis.
—Carlos Manuel Alvarez, Time, 24 Apr. 2026
The purchase seems preordained, given that both Gert-Jan and Corinne, like Pascon and Boccara, are lively and curious intellectuals.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
Thomas Chatterton Williams, The Atlantic, 8 June 2026
The demonization of minorities was nothing new, of course, but New York in the Seventies birthed a reactionary movement that was supported by politicians, public intellectuals, elites, and working people alike.
—Kevin Lozano, Harpers Magazine, 2 June 2026
Consequently, teleSUR often manages to obtain firsthand information from a representative network of nongovernmental organizations, political parties, unions, intellectuals, human rights defenders, and minorities, among others.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 May 2026
Huxley might easily have written a simpler novel glorifying intellectuals while mocking Stoyte’s greed and indifference to suffering.
—Literary Hub, 21 May 2026
There's a lot of talk about the Cubans and exiles and civil society outside of Cuba, but Luis Manuel is basically reminding everybody that there is this civil society inside of Cuba, that there are intellectuals and thinkers and artists and writers who are really trying to get change done in Cuba.
—Dana Taylor, USA Today, 14 May 2026
In the 19th century, these estates drew English and American poets, artists, and intellectuals, who would meet and exchange ideas amid all this natural beauty.
—Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 1 May 2026
In recent weeks, politicians, activists, and intellectuals have published articles and issued statements warning of Cuba’s humanitarian crisis.
—Carlos Manuel Alvarez, Time, 24 Apr. 2026
The purchase seems preordained, given that both Gert-Jan and Corinne, like Pascon and Boccara, are lively and curious intellectuals.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intellectuals
Noun
-
Last year's Canadian Open was a birdie-fest and ball-knowers, aka golf course nerds, are dragging TPC Toronto, calling it lifeless and uninspiring.—
Geoff Clark OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
9 June 2026
-
The outlet reported that the comedy film was set to center a group of nerds learning martial arts and follow the relationship that forms between the students and their karate sensei.—
Mekishana Pierre,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 June 2026
Noun
-
Heaven to the geeks and superfans in the balcony.—
Rebecca Alter,
Vulture,
3 June 2026
-
Hyatt Regency Lake Washington Budding aviators, plane geeks and those looking for any type of airport job can get a sneak peek without even booking an airline ticket.—
Ramsey Qubein,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Intellectuals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intellectuals. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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