Definition of intelligentnext
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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 Just like human relationships, the success of intelligent environments will depend not only on intelligence, but on tone, rhythm, restraint and trust. Nathanael Bondu, Rolling Stone, 19 Feb. 2026 Adviser and therapist roles are ideal jobs since Pisces are emotionally intelligent listeners. Olivia Munson, USA Today, 19 Feb. 2026 Brooks and Brewer are also among the most intelligent and honest players on the team. Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 18 Feb. 2026 People born in the Year of the Horse are believed to be fit and intelligent, seeking out tasks that require physical and mental exertion. Brett Tingley, Space.com, 17 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intelligent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intelligent
Adjective
  • The Revolution Cooking smart toaster sears bagels, bread, waffles and more from edge to edge without drying them out -- crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.
    Tory Johnson, ABC News, 28 Feb. 2026
  • With Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto bringing the entire Japanese market on board as Dodgers fans, the richest and smartest team in baseball has ways of generating millions beyond the boundaries of normal revenue sharing that rival owners never even stopped to consider.
    Tim Cowlishaw, Dallas Morning News, 28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The cost of fighting these baseless lawsuits is so high that, most often, a settlement becomes the only rational option.
    Nick Payzant, Oc Register, 25 Feb. 2026
  • In a preprint paper posted on February 2, three Chinese mathematicians placed the first ever hard upper limit on the number of rational points any curve can have.
    Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Mercier Arnault hasn’t given a formal interview in almost 17 years, so the restaurant’s discreet salon Matignon, with its fireplace, feels like a fitting setting.
    Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 23 Feb. 2026
  • Security significant but discreet Security was tight but discreet on Sunday morning as the first pilgrims passed through metal detectors before filing into the basilica.
    Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Beyond the auditorium roof, the studio employed other clever features to keep the building cool in Indore's hot climate, which sees temperatures of 86 °F - 104 °F (30 °C - 40 °C) for most of the year.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 28 Feb. 2026
  • Your 11th House of Collaboration lights up as clever Mercury meets Venus, the planet of connection, there.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The news was a bitter blow for Everton and Branthwaite, with the club’s medical team having taken a cautious approach to his rehabilitation.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026
  • There are genuine reasons for cautious optimism.
    Gerald Bradshaw, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Last year, the swimming portion was canceled because of large swells and the event made a quick pivot by offering a 5K run the night before.
    Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
  • The Warriors’ center did not travel with the team for its quick two-game road trip to New Orleans and Memphis.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • That is if the letter writer doesn’t mind allowing them in her backyard for a few weeks while others find more reasonable ways to address this problem.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 28 Feb. 2026
  • As part of the lawsuit, Hartsuch claims Board of Medicine rules require that investigations be conducted and resolved within a reasonable time, and that the board knew or should have known that its delays would prevent Hartsuch from working as an ER physician.
    Clark Kauffman, Iowa Capital Dispatch, 28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • While Fincke was attended to and stabilized on the station, NASA determined that bringing him home with his crewmates Cardman, JAXA astronaut and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov was the most prudent action.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Feb. 2026
  • Most of the town’s residents, and many visitors, merrily took part, while the more prudent ones enjoyed the show from the safety of their balconies.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Intelligent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intelligent. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.

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