1
as in intelligent
having or showing a practical cleverness or judgment
a smart investment that has really paid off
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2
as in clever
having or showing quickness of mind
a smart child who will do well in school
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3
as in witty
given to or marked by mature intelligent humor
something one sees so rarely on TV: a smart sitcom
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4
as in elegant
being strikingly neat and trim in style or appearance
dressed in their smart new uniforms, the cadets proudly paraded around the grounds of the military school
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5
as in stylish
being in the latest or current fashion
boutiques specializing in smart clothes for cosmopolitan women
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6
as in cute
making light of something usually regarded as serious or sacred
just joked and made smart comments during the ceremony
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7
as in sophisticated
having a wide and refined knowledge of the world especially from personal experience
a novelist who got much of the material for his works by hanging out with the smart set
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1
as in tingle
a sharp unpleasant sensation usually felt in some specific part of the body
the toddler was whining over the smart from the cut
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2
as in sense
smarts plural
the ability to learn and understand or to deal with problems
she had the smarts to start college at age 16, but perhaps not the emotional maturity
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as in smartly
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of smart
Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 8 Jan. 2026
With her phone still on her desk, Ogburn managed to use her smart watch to connect with a 911 dispatcher, telling her there was an active shooter at the school and saying a teacher had been injured in another room.
—Matthew J. Friedman, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026
Clare Holden, Glamour, 24 Oct. 2025
Simashev was smarting and vulnerable.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 22 Oct. 2025
Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2025
Finding his family under threat from a pair of psychotic local gangsters, Roman must use both his stock-market smarts and his family’s crematorium to curry favor with, and finally overcome, his enemies.
—Emma Alpern, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2025
Thomas Hindle, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Apr. 2022
No smart-shaming allowed here.
—Neil Senturia, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Mar. 2022
See All Example Sentences for smart
Adjective
Apple’s promised launch of a smarter Siri, its AI voice assistant, in 2025, was delayed, and still lacks a concrete release date.
—Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 8 Jan. 2026
With her phone still on her desk, Ogburn managed to use her smart watch to connect with a 911 dispatcher, telling her there was an active shooter at the school and saying a teacher had been injured in another room.
—Matthew J. Friedman, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
Flat suede ankle boots are just as comfortable as sneakers, yet still smart enough for the office.
—Clare Holden, Glamour, 24 Oct. 2025
Simashev was smarting and vulnerable.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
The poodle—whether standard, miniature or toy—remains a top pick for obedience and agility lovers, noted for its smarts and graceful athleticism.
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2025
Finding his family under threat from a pair of psychotic local gangsters, Roman must use both his stock-market smarts and his family’s crematorium to curry favor with, and finally overcome, his enemies.
—Emma Alpern, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2025
Adverb
The stand has a sleek design made from thin but sturdy fiberglass, pieced together in a smart-looking Z-shape.
—Thomas Hindle, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Apr. 2022
No smart-shaming allowed here.
—Neil Senturia, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Mar. 2022
See All Example Sentences for smart
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smart
Adjective
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Caterpillar’s intelligent product lineup spans core construction and earthmoving equipment, along with connected site systems.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Jan. 2026
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Conversely, if these foundations can be reinforced, even partially, the intelligent age may yet fulfil its promise of progress.—
Klaus Schwab,
Time,
5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Each clever accessory is under $15 — that’s less than the cost of a sandwich special at my favorite deli.—
Sian Babish,
PEOPLE,
11 Jan. 2026
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With two bedrooms and two baths, the home is surprisingly expansive, boasting just under 2,400 square feet across its clever layout.—
Miriam Schwartz,
Boston Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Bode will play Greta Mills, Ro’s smart, witty and ambitious research partner who unwittingly becomes entangled in the film’s violent conflict.—
Andrew McGowan,
Variety,
7 Jan. 2026
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In late April, love gets chatty and playful when Venus enters Gemini, followed by electric Uranus, bringing sparks through conversation, witty banter, spontaneous plans and flirting that starts as a joke and ends in a date.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Her hairstylist gave tendril lovers an idea for a whole new way to wear one, tucking Grande's bangs behind a section of hair left loose not from her hairline but a bit farther back—still elegant, but a bit more playful and creative.—
Marci Robin,
Allure,
12 Jan. 2026
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Lopez accessorized with diamond earrings and wore her hair in an elegant updo.—
Ashley Hume,
FOXNews.com,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The Le Bop Marcella Barrel Pants fit the bill, featuring a stylish cropped length, horseshoe silhouette, and discreet covered elastic waistband.—
Irene Richardson,
InStyle,
14 Jan. 2026
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Beautifully made hats, faux furs, and winter knits are stylish perennials in the cold-weather wardrobes of chic Italian women.—
Nneya Richards,
Travel + Leisure,
14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Ariana Grande made a cute face while taking a pic with Steven Spielberg.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
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Jump on the trend early with this cute, hands-free Michael Kors crossbody bag.—
Alyssa Morin,
InStyle,
11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Meanwhile, the shoulder pads add structure to the piece, creating a sophisticated look and a balanced shape from top to bottom.—
Irene Richardson,
InStyle,
14 Jan. 2026
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This merengue caraqueño, defined by its sophisticated 5/8 rhythm, serves as a master class in Venezuelan identity, acting as a cultural anchor that prevents the nation’s heritage from being swallowed by the ongoing crisis.—
Leonor C. Suárez,
Rolling Stone,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
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After all, there are signs that the economy is improving (unemployment and inflation are declining), but after the economic struggles of recent years, and with household debt still high, an additional financing source won't hurt, either.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
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Critics say the practice has driven up home prices and hurt affordability, but some housing experts argue the president’s proposal would have minimal effect on overall housing supply.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Smart.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smart. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.
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