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
2
as in rational
having the ability to reason
there is some debate over whether dolphins are intelligent animals
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of intelligent
Pigs are known for being highly intelligent and social animals who thrive in a group environment.
—
Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025
Move to the track, and this Corvette integrates intelligent strategies to ensure that the electric boost doesn’t run dry.
—Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 19 June 2025
Things have changed a bit since Jamie was last there, however, and the undead have mutated; a new strain has appeared — stronger, faster, more intelligent, more alpha.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 18 June 2025
Pretending a naïveté that isn’t really genuine, for Eunice is highly intelligent, at least intellectually.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for intelligent
Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025
Move to the track, and this Corvette integrates intelligent strategies to ensure that the electric boost doesn’t run dry.
—Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 19 June 2025
Things have changed a bit since Jamie was last there, however, and the undead have mutated; a new strain has appeared — stronger, faster, more intelligent, more alpha.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 18 June 2025
Pretending a naïveté that isn’t really genuine, for Eunice is highly intelligent, at least intellectually.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for intelligent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intelligent
Adjective
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Hundreds of years after mankind is wiped out, a smart buoy (Kristen Stewart) turns on and strikes up a friendship with the last satellite (Steven Yeun) launched into space.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
21 June 2025
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He’s evaluated everything from TVs and soundbars to smart gadgets and wearables, ...—
Parker Hall,
Wired News,
21 June 2025
Adjective
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President Donald Trump’s court challenge failed during his first term because his administration did not provide the U.S. Supreme Court with a rational government basis for terminating the program.—
Darren Soto,
The Orlando Sentinel,
22 June 2025
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The lowest level is known as rational basis review, and almost every law looked at that way is upheld.—
Mark Sherman,
Chicago Tribune,
18 June 2025
Adjective
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For $2,100 per day, Royal Expression Travels provides an SUV or sedan with a driver at your beck and call to arrange anything from last-minute diamond shopping or rerouting helicopters to a discreet helipad.—
Paula Conway,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2025
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Tanha said Mahomes and Kelce specifically requested a private dining room with a discreet entrance.—
Jenna Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
24 June 2025
Adjective
-
Even the cleverest plans leave room for a little improvisation.—
Jack Lang,
New York Times,
22 June 2025
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This clever deck box works overtime as a bench for additional seating.—
Clara McMahon,
People.com,
21 June 2025
Adjective
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The prospect of higher inflation even as present data looks mild has led to a staredown between the Fed, which has advocated for a cautious approach on cutting interest rates in case tariffs do worsen inflation, and Trump, who has aggressively called for big cuts.—
Derek Saul,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
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That’s a problem for investors, who regard Powell as a serious, cautious economist who operates independently of Trump’s political desires.—
Jim Edwards,
Fortune,
26 June 2025
Adjective
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From Piggly Wiggly to gas station, deli to sit-down-restaurant, most quick lunch establishments (and the Southerners that lovingly and critically frequent them) take the flavor, texture, and temperature of their chicken salads extremely seriously.—
Catherine Jessee,
Southern Living,
27 June 2025
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There’s plenty of other great footage, too, including the November afternoon at Stockport County when Parkinson displayed much quicker thinking than his unusually off-key players during a 1-0 defeat.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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Conrad is a 6-3 defenseman who can skate and has shown reasonable offense in the Q.—
Corey Pronman,
New York Times,
20 June 2025
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Recent verdicts have far exceeded historical benchmarks, and without reasonable limits, runaway jury awards threaten the city’s ability to fund essential services.—
Paul Vallas,
Chicago Tribune,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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The design contributions are more notable for their judicious neutrality than any conspicuous style, though Chiara Costanza’s original score adds another atypical flavor.—
Dennis Harvey,
Variety,
20 June 2025
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This makes seasoning a bit difficult to maintain, and requires some attention and judicious use of an infrared thermometer to monitor griddle temps.—
Matthew Korfhage,
Wired News,
14 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Intelligent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intelligent. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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