as in understandable
capable of being understood
speculation on the odds that a communication from a far-off planet would be intelligible
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Recent Examples of intelligible
Several shouts were audible during the first part of the ceremony, although what was said wasn't intelligible to an Associated Press reporter in the press room.
—
ABC News, 23 Feb. 2026
For example, the device may reduce amplification in a quiet room to avoid escalating background hums or else increase amplification in a noisy café to make speech more intelligible.
—IEEE Spectrum, 7 Jan. 2026
The earliest Shaker songs, including ones attributed to Lee, have no intelligible language.
—Christian Goodwillie, The Conversation, 22 Dec. 2025
His intelligible goals are, first, to create a new mass market and, second, to have Tesla hold a dominant position in that market.
—Jeremy Lott, The Washington Examiner, 14 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intelligible
ABC News, 23 Feb. 2026
For example, the device may reduce amplification in a quiet room to avoid escalating background hums or else increase amplification in a noisy café to make speech more intelligible.
—IEEE Spectrum, 7 Jan. 2026
The earliest Shaker songs, including ones attributed to Lee, have no intelligible language.
—Christian Goodwillie, The Conversation, 22 Dec. 2025
His intelligible goals are, first, to create a new mass market and, second, to have Tesla hold a dominant position in that market.
—Jeremy Lott, The Washington Examiner, 14 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intelligible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intelligible
Adjective
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That’s a refreshingly honest reason for calling it quits, and an understandable one.—
David Mark,
The Washington Examiner,
20 Mar. 2026
-
The Cowboys’ previous pursuit of tall, long corners has been understandable.—
Joseph Hoyt,
Dallas Morning News,
18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The Department of Justice published a rule in April 2024 setting requirements for state and local government websites and mobile apps to be accessible to people with disabilities.—
Chaya Tong,
Austin American Statesman,
19 Mar. 2026
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There are a couple of accommodations with only one or two steps, but none of the rooms are wheelchair accessible.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Some of the original choices had rules too culturally specific to be immediately comprehensible to viewers outside Korea.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
16 Mar. 2026
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Davis is wry and quietly defiant of stereotype, her Elaine’s composure hard-won and her sacrifice of certain kinds of sympathy fully comprehensible.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
6 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Intelligible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intelligible. Accessed 26 Mar. 2026.
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