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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 He was involved in the build-up to Rio Ngumoha’s last-gasp goal with a pass into the feet of Ryan Gravenberch before making an intelligent run down the outside. James Pearce, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025 That’s the headline but it is not meant to take away from the achievements of Raffi Donatich, whose supremely intelligent and raucously amusing screenplay is her feature writing debut, or a cast that just kills it. Pete Hammond, Deadline, 7 Sep. 2025 Some of it is very intelligent too. Jason Mastrodonato, Mercury News, 5 Sep. 2025 And his evocation of the specific political environment of pre-war Algeria is an intelligent contemporary expansion on the novel. Jessica Kiang, Variety, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intelligent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intelligent
Adjective
  • See our review The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is bigger and smarter, just don’t expect more power The six-figure 2025 Lexus LX Hybrid takes full-size luxury to new heights.
    Mark Phelan, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Portable smart tire pressure monitors screw onto the valve stem and connect to your phone, offering real-time updates and alerts for slow leaks.
    Melanie Marshall, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Even investors who pride themselves on rational decisions know that fear, excitement or uncertainty can often enter the picture.
    Bruce Helmer, Twin Cities, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Even in situations where logic seems to provide you a clear answer, what seems rational may not always feel right or make sense for you personally.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Up above, there’s a sweeping grand staircase ascending to the second floor revealing a semi-private dining area for over 40 guests and a private dining room for up to 20 with additional access via a discreet VIP entrance.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • Hacking a pre-Internet console Making this amusing amalgam of past and present technology possible required some clever engineering.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 12 Sep. 2025
  • If so, its still a quick and clever method for styling a bun in a pinch.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The duo have been cautious in their classification, allowing for the possibility that a torus of material could be behind the observations.
    Nola Taylor Tillman, Space.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • But being cautious doesn’t mean ignoring the risks.
    Matt Emma, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Additionally, the company stands out by prioritizing culture and vision over quick commissions.
    William Jones, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Roberson, leader of the church since 2023, has also opened the doors of the Cathedral from Monday-Saturday for tours, prayers or anyone walking by who needs a quick respite from the Miami heat.
    Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 10 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 16 Sep. 2025.

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