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
Border collie The undisputed top dog in the brains department, border collies consistently rank as the most intelligent breed, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC) .
—
Pat Mueller, USA Today, 18 June 2026
Now, groundbreaking science believes that these alpha sharks are highly intelligent predators that adapt their hunting techniques in real time.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 18 June 2026
Our goal is not to tell you what to think, but to give you the essential knowledge and understanding to come to your own intelligent conclusions.
—Katie Marie Davies, Christian Science Monitor, 18 June 2026
The special uses groundbreaking science to study how adaptive and intelligent alpha great white sharks are during their hunts.
—Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for intelligent
Pat Mueller, USA Today, 18 June 2026
Now, groundbreaking science believes that these alpha sharks are highly intelligent predators that adapt their hunting techniques in real time.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 18 June 2026
Our goal is not to tell you what to think, but to give you the essential knowledge and understanding to come to your own intelligent conclusions.
—Katie Marie Davies, Christian Science Monitor, 18 June 2026
The special uses groundbreaking science to study how adaptive and intelligent alpha great white sharks are during their hunts.
—Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for intelligent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intelligent
Adjective
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But behind every chatbot, smart assistant and AI image generator sits a massive physical network.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
20 June 2026
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The plot sees Bonnie, now eight, increasingly drawn to a smart tablet, Lilypad, challenging her traditional toys led by Jessie.—
Hannah Abraham,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2026
Adjective
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Forced Selling Creates Market Mispricing The market is not a rational machine.—
Jim Osman,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
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If Iran’s rulers are so rational and nice, one wonders why their potential acquisition of a nuclear weapon would so concern the United States.—
Jonathan Chait,
The Atlantic,
17 June 2026
Adjective
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To pull it off, Bugg recommends hanging the plates using discreet plate hangers.—
Michelle Mastro,
The Spruce,
20 June 2026
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From discreet items like socks with a secret pocket to luggage locks, these anti-theft travel essentials will give you peace of mind on your next flight.—
Alesandra Dubin,
Travel + Leisure,
18 June 2026
Adjective
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This is an Edwardian- inspired new build, so the rooms are large (starting at 290 square feet) with clever details throughout, such as reassuringly spacious showers and barista-style Morning coffee machines—a welcome upgrade on noisy Nespresso units.—
Todd Plummer,
Robb Report,
19 June 2026
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With a boost from Randy Newman’s clever score, the Buzz Lightyear sections are hilarious.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
19 June 2026
Adjective
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This is worth remembering amid perhaps reasonable excitement about the World Cup.—
John Tamny,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2026
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Fortunately, this month New York’s Legislature passed the bipartisan Responsible Data Center Development Act placing a 1-year moratorium on data center development while reasonable safeguards are created.—
Liz Krueger,
New York Daily News,
20 June 2026
Adjective
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Katz was cautious about the European enthusiasm.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
17 June 2026
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Some analysts are even more cautious.—
Faith Wakefield,
USA Today,
16 June 2026
Adjective
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There is an underground tunnel connecting the main hotel and the lobby/restaurant building, which makes navigating the area much easier in a wheelchair or for those looking to avoid a cold (but quick) commute.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 June 2026
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The Iranian men’s soccer team’s quick departure from Los Angeles following its opening World Cup match was always the plan, according to the US government, despite complaints from the team.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
16 June 2026
Adjective
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Perhaps the radical thought of a black woman as president made this approach seem prudent.—
Ta-Nehisi Coates,
Vanity Fair,
15 June 2026
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Would taking his advice be prudent or practical?—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
9 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Intelligent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intelligent. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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