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.
—
Dallas Morning News, 23 Feb. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for intelligible
Dallas Morning News, 23 Feb. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for intelligible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intelligible
Adjective
-
Gabrielle’s feelings for Frida are understandable in theory; the latter approaches her with fresh eyes and few demands, giving her space to be something other than problem solver extraordinaire.—
Jon Frosch,
HollywoodReporter,
13 May 2026
-
The legacy of environmental injustice in Gowanus is real, and skepticism is understandable.—
Michelle de la Uz,
New York Daily News,
13 May 2026
Adjective
-
There are two accessible rooms at the hotel.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
14 May 2026
-
Tomato plants forming a dense hedge that is accessible only via the canopy.—
Donna Vickroy,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
But Turner will be remembered mostly for the creation and development of the Cable News Network – CNN – which launched in 1980 and made our knowledge of distant events instantaneous and our world more comprehensible.—
Michael J. Socolow,
The Conversation,
7 May 2026
-
The San Francisco Chronicle received the award for explanatory reporting, which means work that makes a complex topic comprehensible to everyday readers and viewers.—
Jennifer Peltz,
Twin Cities,
4 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Intelligible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intelligible. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
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