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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 The range for its forecast for its intelligent cloud segment, $28.75 billion to $29.05 billion, fully clears analyst estimates of $28.5 billion. Byandrew Nusca, Fortune, 1 May 2025 Randy is an intelligent asset to Franks' team, and he's solved a multitude of crimes on his own. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 29 Apr. 2025 Assist: The voice activated intelligent personal assistant is there to help with all your questions & answers. Tony Leopardo, Mercury News, 27 Apr. 2025 This chakra governs our personal power, identity, beliefs, willpower and ego. Light: Open-minded, confident, playful, intelligent, organized, self-assured. Lisa Stardust, People.com, 26 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intelligent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intelligent
Adjective
  • Some of it is also building on the brand that somebody really smart will take advantage of whatever opportunity is presented to them.
    Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 16 May 2025
  • Roach chose the more legal one, but not necessarily the smartest.
    Bill Dwyre, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • What’s more, behavioral economics suggests that our deviations from rational, deliberate behavior has some predictable structure.
    Jens Ludwig, Time, 15 May 2025
  • The ban on water fluoridation by the Florida Legislature (SB 700) and the outspoken views of the state surgeon general are the antithesis of rational public health measures.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 4 May 2025
Adjective
  • He's got to do it quietly and that's why President Trump is being so discreet about what's going on.
    Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
  • Since 2004, under the ownership of music producer Nigel Frieda (best known for his work with English girl group the Sugababes), the village-like compound has quietly evolved into one of Britain’s most discreet creative hubs.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • For apartment dwellers and people who prefer not to dangle midair, this clever contraption looks like a window-cleaning game changer.
    The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 May 2025
  • The story centers on 16-year-old Haymitch (Joseph Zada), a clever and resourceful boy from District 12, who’s unexpectedly chosen for this edition of the games, which will feature a deadly twist: twice the number of tributes, with 48 children sent into the arena to battle for their lives.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • This can lead to overly cautious investment choices and missed opportunities for growth.
    Bruce Helmer, Twin Cities, 10 May 2025
  • Please be cautious in entering personal information as seedlings for your romance stories.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • Kidney is quick to credit those who helped him along the way, especially his inner circle.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 May 2025
  • With their quick banter and palpable chemistry, by the time these two kissed in season 4 of Gilmore Girls, fans were at the edge of their seats.
    Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • The Supreme Court sent the case back to the lower court to reconsider whether the shooting was reasonable under the lengthier timeframe that must be considered.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • This level needs to be reasonable and proportionate to the risk.
    Mark Littler, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • Beyond tariffs: Be judicious in your expansion plans.
    AllBusiness, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
  • Rays — For years, the Rays have managed to field contending teams through judicious under-the-radar trades by GM Erik Neander despite one of the lowest payrolls in baseball.
    Bill Madden, New York Daily News, 10 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Intelligent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intelligent. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

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