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
There are friends, some curious onlookers, intellectuals, a generally bohemian crowd.
—
Literary Hub, 11 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
In it, a group of Catholic intellectuals discussed a new school opening in Steubenville, Ohio.
—Emma Green, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026
Right-wing intellectuals will still find a home in Budapest, conservative publications will continue to print, and the MCC will not shutter.
—Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2026
In 2001, Arveláiz organized a high-profile forum at the Sorbonne University in Paris that brought Chávez into direct contact with European intellectuals.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 6 Apr. 2026
In the city, reactions are more mixed within the Arab elite class, causing a rift between the business community and the intellectuals.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 27 Mar. 2026
These movements were led by a broad spectrum of Korean intellectuals and activists.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Mar. 2026
Literary Hub, 11 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
In it, a group of Catholic intellectuals discussed a new school opening in Steubenville, Ohio.
—Emma Green, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026
Right-wing intellectuals will still find a home in Budapest, conservative publications will continue to print, and the MCC will not shutter.
—Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2026
In 2001, Arveláiz organized a high-profile forum at the Sorbonne University in Paris that brought Chávez into direct contact with European intellectuals.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 6 Apr. 2026
In the city, reactions are more mixed within the Arab elite class, causing a rift between the business community and the intellectuals.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 27 Mar. 2026
These movements were led by a broad spectrum of Korean intellectuals and activists.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intellectuals
Noun
-
Rivers Comicon gives fans the chance to don their favorite costumes, connect with fellow nerds and meet the creators of beloved comic books.—
Finch Walker,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
-
Thursday was a huge day for social media nerds and wannabe influencers masquerading as football fans.—
Austin Perry OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
Despite the smaller merits caseload, tax law geeks like me have been delighted to see high-profile tax cases reach the Court.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2026
-
SoundCloud rappers were weebs; DnD geeks became huge influencers.—
Kieran Press-Reynolds,
Pitchfork,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Intellectuals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intellectuals. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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