as in intelligence
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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Recent Examples of smarts
Matt Barrows, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
The Broncos, a source told The Post, believe Casey has the traits and the smarts to play any position on the offensive line.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
As ever, Spagnuolo had considerable input and figures to appreciate a player of his size, speed, smarts — and what Reid gleaned from their meetings to be both confidence and a certain humble coachability.
—Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2026
Respect for the environment sits at the heart of Tella Thera’s DNA, with bioclimatic architecture, property-wide sustainability smarts and a low-waste restaurant where dishes brim with island produce.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
Pedro, who went by Pete, had the smarts and discipline to manage a sprawling bi-national business.
—Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
Not blessed with a blazing fastball, Panos relies on placement and smarts to get batters out.
—Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
Jakobe Thomas’ smarts, leadership and physical presence will be missed, but UM is well-positioned at safety with Poyser, Bryce Fitzgerald, Omar Thorton Dunnigan and Dylan Day.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2026
The actor portrayed Malcolm's younger brother Dewey, known for his smarts and wit.
—Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026
James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 14 Nov. 2025
Noun
His smarts and willingness to do the dirty work are coach-pleasing qualities.
—Matt Barrows, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
The Broncos, a source told The Post, believe Casey has the traits and the smarts to play any position on the offensive line.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
As ever, Spagnuolo had considerable input and figures to appreciate a player of his size, speed, smarts — and what Reid gleaned from their meetings to be both confidence and a certain humble coachability.
—Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2026
Respect for the environment sits at the heart of Tella Thera’s DNA, with bioclimatic architecture, property-wide sustainability smarts and a low-waste restaurant where dishes brim with island produce.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
Pedro, who went by Pete, had the smarts and discipline to manage a sprawling bi-national business.
—Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
Not blessed with a blazing fastball, Panos relies on placement and smarts to get batters out.
—Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
Jakobe Thomas’ smarts, leadership and physical presence will be missed, but UM is well-positioned at safety with Poyser, Bryce Fitzgerald, Omar Thorton Dunnigan and Dylan Day.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2026
The actor portrayed Malcolm's younger brother Dewey, known for his smarts and wit.
—Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
It’s been 10 years since Fantastic Four flopped, but its box-office failure still smarts for star Miles Teller.
—James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 14 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smarts
Noun
-
Charles is expected to talk about the defense, intelligence and security ties the countries have shared for decades.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Belarus’ presidential press service said the negotiations had involved intelligence services from seven countries.—
Claudia Ciobanu,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the symptoms of Legionnaires' disease are similar to those of other types of pneumonia, including cough, fever, headache, muscle aches, and shortness of breath.—
Carly Sauvageau,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
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Babesiosis, transmitted by blacklegged ticks, can cause flu-like symptoms — fever, chills, fatigue and muscle aches — and can be severe or fatal in older adults or those with weakened immune systems, according to scientists.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Though an unabashedly liberal Democrat, Hart commanded respect from lawmakers of both parties for his intellect, decency and grit.—
John T. Shaw,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Propaganda was the art that conveyed—through emotions and even spirituality, not intellect—the all-encompassing ideology that ruled one’s life.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
And that’s why this one hurts differently.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
4 May 2026
-
That ultimately hurts workers, small businesses, and the broader economy.—
Steve Hilton,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
Keep the conversation moving, and let flexibility strengthen your position and perspective while maintaining your sense of balance and fairness.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
3 May 2026
-
While the work’s English title might indicate a sense of amusement or distraction, the Chinese title is an idiom that refers to being caught in a dilemma, like a boat that has left one shore but has not yet reached the other.—
Pauline J. Yao,
Artforum,
2 May 2026
Verb
-
His disaffection baffles his acquaintances and pains his tubercular wife (a superb Quinn Jackson), whose doctor (Lambert Tamin) has only contempt for her husband’s agonizing.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
3 Apr. 2026
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But regret pains them like a knot in their shoulders.—
Rob Picheta,
CNN Money,
6 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Smarts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smarts. Accessed 4 May. 2026.
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