Definition of intelligentnext
1
as in smart
having or showing quickness of mind proud parents typically insist that their child is intelligent way beyond his or her years his intelligent response to the emergency averted a disaster

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word intelligent distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of intelligent are alert, clever, and quick-witted. While all these words mean "mentally keen or quick," intelligent stresses success in coping with new situations and solving problems.

an intelligent person could assemble it fast

When is alert a more appropriate choice than intelligent?

While in some cases nearly identical to intelligent, alert stresses quickness in perceiving and understanding.

alert to new technology

When would clever be a good substitute for intelligent?

Although the words clever and intelligent have much in common, clever implies native ability or aptness and sometimes suggests a lack of more substantial qualities.

clever with words

When might quick-witted be a better fit than intelligent?

The words quick-witted and intelligent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, quick-witted implies promptness in finding answers in debate or in devising expedients in moments of danger or challenge.

no match for his quick-witted opponent

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 intelligent Long endurance strike system Mizrak is an intelligent loitering munition built for long missions. Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 1 May 2026 Complete peace and quiet might sound nice to the most intelligent person on the planet, but most people aren’t suited for an apocalypse. Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 29 Apr. 2026 Extremely football intelligent player. Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2026 Sales associates can use their headsets to instantly locate items, check pricing and receive intelligent recommendations for complementary products or upselling opportunities. Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 28 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intelligent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intelligent
Adjective
  • Semi-custom is, of course, cheaper and quicker to build than full bespoke, making a smart, low-stress entry point into yacht ownership.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 2 May 2026
  • Niko Medved is very smart, very clever at using that zone.
    Charley Walters, Twin Cities, 2 May 2026
Adjective
  • Evans and his backers were rational actors inside an irrational system.
    Big Think, Big Think, 1 May 2026
  • By any rational examination, there are more people on Rikers than need to be for public safety.
    Jonathan Lippman, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Meet, also, a discreet, briefcase-toting ball-bearings salesman from Chicago, recently moved here with his wife, now that the kids are grown.
    Olivia Kan-Sperling, Artforum, 2 May 2026
  • His real estate portfolio follows a similar global pattern, spanning the same circuit he’s navigated throughout his career, from discreet European hideaways to a high-profile New York City penthouse and a quiet retreat in Colorado.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • Perhaps clever legal strategies might find ways to meet the justices’ new standards, or perhaps experts might come up with new metrics to mathematically prove discrimination, even when intent is vague.
    Vann R. Newkirk II, The Atlantic, 2 May 2026
  • Niko Medved is very smart, very clever at using that zone.
    Charley Walters, Twin Cities, 2 May 2026
Adjective
  • The measure passed Wednesday stops short of a categorical ban that some have sought, but was still met with cautious optimism by traffic safety reformers.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
  • The defense, which only improved post-Olympics after Paul Coffey returned behind the bench, collapsed in front of an incredibly cautious goaltending tandem.
    Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 6 May 2026
Adjective
  • The reactive Moon opposes Mars, creating tension between quick reactions and thoughtful dialogue.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026
  • But, a host of hotels are just a quick zip from Malé.
    Shradha Shahani, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • And that is actually a reasonable price for those books.
    Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2026
  • Bowman noted the authority is guided by state law and case law in its decisions and deciding what is just and reasonable by a preponderance of evidence.
    Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 2 May 2026
Adjective
  • This will require implementing policies that support prudent spending, rather than undermining it.
    Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
  • Some pilots say that — once again — waiting, and keeping both engines running, might have been the most prudent move.
    James Glanz, New York Times, 1 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Intelligent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intelligent. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

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