INTELLIGENT Synonyms: 205 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

intelligent

adjective

in-ˈte-lə-jənt

Definition of intelligent next

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in rational

having the ability to reason there is some debate over whether dolphins are intelligent animals

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as in discreet

having or showing good judgment and restraint especially in conduct or speech the only intelligent response to such a tasteless joke is to quickly change the subject

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples of intelligent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But the safety and well-being features are a solid reason to equip your pet with an intelligent collar. —

Boone Ashworth, WIRED, 15 Oct. 2024 Enemies are said to be more intelligent, and the main character, James, has stealth capabilities. —

Brian Mazique, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024 This must be led by an informed, intelligent and dedicated Governing Board. —

Madeleine Parrish, The Arizona Republic, 2 Oct. 2024 The European Union, which in 2016 enacted the General Data Protection Regulation, seems poised to crack down on emotionally intelligent conversational agents, or EICAs, citing deception by design. —

Jill Lepore, The New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for intelligent

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'intelligent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.