intelligentsia

noun

in-ˌte-lə-ˈjen(t)-sē-ə How to pronounce intelligentsia (audio)
Definition of intelligentsianext
as in literati
intellectuals considered as a social class a presidential candidate who was the darling of the intelligentsia—and very few others

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 intelligentsia Epstein found ways to infiltrate the intelligentsia besides making overtures to cash-hungry researchers. — Miles Klee, Wired News, 24 Feb. 2026 For now, these ideas mostly live in the political intelligentsia and online far-right hubs. — Abby McCloskey, Twin Cities, 25 Nov. 2025 Popular opinion was also shaped by an overwhelmingly left-leaning intelligentsia created and shaped by the long national struggle against European imperialism. — Pankaj Mishra, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025 All or nothing For most of the Russian nationalist intelligentsia, Alaska is less a jewel to be recovered than a warning against any concession to the West. — Dan Morrison, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intelligentsia
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intelligentsia
  1. elite
  2. clerisy
  3. elect
Noun
  • At least a point was taken from every opponent barring Fulham in a campaign that offered no indication of the time Sunderland had spent away from English football’s elite.
    — Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • So how did a coach with such modest credentials elevate himself into the elite at such a late stage of his career?
    — Chris Evans, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of elite
Noun
  • They are ruled by a grizzled and sclerotic clerisy that funnels resources to its private army, the terrorist Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
    — Matthew Continetti, National Review, 24 Sep. 2022
  • All will be forgiven and forgotten by the clerisy of the moment.
    — Barton Swaim, WSJ, 18 July 2021
Definition of clerisy
Noun
  • Veleria Levy, representative-elect for northeast Charlotte’s state House District 99, testified against Duke’s original proposal this spring.
    — Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 13 July 2026
  • According to attorney Justin Smith, who is here today to represent mayor-elect Erickson, the board will begin the morning with ballots considered by the resolution board on Election Night.
    — Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 8 July 2026
Definition of elect

Browse Nearby Words

intelligent
intelligentsia
intelligibility
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Cite this Entry

“Intelligentsia.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intelligentsia. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on intelligentsia

Nglish: Translation of intelligentsia for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about intelligentsia

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