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
Relevance
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
Very skilled, high intelligent kid.
—
Matt Byrne, Arkansas Online, 2 Jan. 2026
The future belongs to those who combine the precision of algorithms with the empathy of human storytelling, ensuring that behind every intelligent system, there’s still a storyteller guiding the message.
—Adam Rumanek, Rolling Stone, 2 Jan. 2026
Also—all new hotels take note—enough already with the intelligent lighting panels: dimmers and a master switch will do just fine, thanks.
—Matt Charlton, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Dec. 2025
The elegant sets and lavish costume designs are stunning, as is Jacob Elordi's multi-faceted performance as the intelligent wretch stitched together from corpses.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 27 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intelligent
Matt Byrne, Arkansas Online, 2 Jan. 2026
The future belongs to those who combine the precision of algorithms with the empathy of human storytelling, ensuring that behind every intelligent system, there’s still a storyteller guiding the message.
—Adam Rumanek, Rolling Stone, 2 Jan. 2026
Also—all new hotels take note—enough already with the intelligent lighting panels: dimmers and a master switch will do just fine, thanks.
—Matt Charlton, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Dec. 2025
The elegant sets and lavish costume designs are stunning, as is Jacob Elordi's multi-faceted performance as the intelligent wretch stitched together from corpses.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 27 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intelligent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intelligent
Adjective
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An elastic waistband stays comfortable for hours, making this a smart pick for long flights or full travel days.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Jan. 2026
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There are smart-looking couples in the mix, too, snagging a romantic getaway in the heart of Austin—near live music, bars, and restaurants and just 10 miles from the airport.—
Kathryn Streeter,
Condé Nast Traveler,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Scapegoating everyone of similar background as a criminal should be self-evidently wrong to any rational person.—
Sal Rodriguez,
Oc Register,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Even paranoiacs have enemies, maybe rendering their paranoia a rational response.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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While the company largely stays out of the headlines, Applecart has a leading place in an emerging but discreet cohort of companies and organizations aimed at reaching key figures in industry and government.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
12 Jan. 2026
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More discreet measures, including cyber intrusions, intelligence operations or actions with plausible deniability, could allow Washington to apply pressure without forcing Tehran into a direct military response.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Each clever accessory is under $15 — that’s less than the cost of a sandwich special at my favorite deli.—
Sian Babish,
PEOPLE,
11 Jan. 2026
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With two bedrooms and two baths, the home is surprisingly expansive, boasting just under 2,400 square feet across its clever layout.—
Miriam Schwartz,
Boston Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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But trading volumes remain low, with investors remaining cautious about the impact of lower oil prices, government spending cuts, and the outlook for corporate earnings.—
Matthew Martin,
semafor.com,
14 Jan. 2026
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But once the horrible pol is gone, stronger but more cautious candidates emerge.—
Howie Carr,
Boston Herald,
14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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As Beck spoke on the crowded field afterward, Cristobal swept past and stopped for quick bear hug.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Most people drive up a Forest Service Road for quicker access, putting them at the beginning of a two-mile out-and-back trail with roughly 2,500 feet of elevation gain.—
Outside,
Outside,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Advertisement Think smart regulation, not more regulation The dealmaking bonanza on Wall Street since Biden Administration officials left office offers a reasonable gauge of the damage inflicted when regulatory agencies are captured by ideology.—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Time,
13 Jan. 2026
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The only reasonable, logical explanation to Indiana University’s success in football is not coaching, but cheating.—
Mac Engel
January 13,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Picking up the fifth-year options for quarterbacks is generally accepted to be fiscally prudent.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Jan. 2026
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This is a man who, throughout his long public and political life, has seldom been associated with such descriptors as modest, prudent or vulnerable.—
Clarence Page,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Intelligent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intelligent. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.
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