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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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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 Goldie, 21, is a classy, intelligent centre-back, as was evident during her successful loan spell with London City last season. Megan Feringa, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2025 The admiration of Ashe’s widow, Jeanne, eased the reception of the sculpture, as did the efforts of John McEnroe, an avid and intelligent art collector and a friend of Fischl’s, who insisted on filming television stand-ups in front of it. Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 30 Aug. 2025 Additionally, the 2026 Voyah Dream comes equipped with an intelligent rear-wheel steering system that enhances both maneuverability and agility. Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2025 Jennings described Simoncic as motivating, caring, loving, intelligent and honest. Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intelligent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intelligent
Adjective
  • And that's not even counting any of the wholly original new shows this fall that are smart, gripping and exciting.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Elena Linari is a smart defensive signing, too.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • So there is no logic or any rational decisions made.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The appellate court had held that the INS could not rely on these immigration sweeps but, rather, needed to articulate objective facts and rational inferences to support a reasonable suspicion that each person detained is undocumented.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • But while Vevers is a two-time CFDA award winner — for Accessory Designer of the Year in 2017 and for the Innovation Award last year — his industry profile remains more discreet than newer, smaller designers.
    Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Reynolds says that the Assistant Director eventually realized that Reynolds was responsible, but advised him to remain discreet.
    Andrew McGowan, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This can be read as a clever knock on some of the mockumentary-format comedies that followed The Office, often — ahem, Modern Family — failing to provide any actual reason for the doc-style shooting and talking-head interviews.
    Jesse Hassenger, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
  • But poems are cleverer than the people who write them.
    Leila Chatti September 5, Literary Hub, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • However, with the growth of social media and consumer advocacy, retailers are being more cautious about communications to prevent backfiring, not only from investors and analysts but from their core customer base.
    Shelley E. Kohan, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
  • And then finally, layoffs…If prices rise, consumers grow more cautious.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Here is a quick tour through recent vision tech, with examples of prescription eyeglasses tailored to specific uses.
    Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Fessceruna 3-Piece Loungewear Set Fessceruna’s three-piece loungewear set is perfect for cozying up at home on the couch, running quick errands, and enduring long travel days.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Bondi could argue that her actions set a reasonable expectation that public officials should conduct themselves with respect towards other branches of government.
    Andrew Binns, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Lawyers for the plaintiffs said their restraining order only prevented federal agents from making stops without reasonable suspicion, in line with the Constitution and Court precedent.
    Dan Gooding Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • As this is a smaller toy and one with judicious amounts of diecast in the joints, this should make for a very good rendition of this classic mecha from Metal Gear Solid.
    Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
  • But be judicious about application and follow the label instructions because these products kill beneficial bugs, too.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 24 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Intelligent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intelligent. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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