intelligent

adjective

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in·tel·li·gent | \ in-ˈte-lə-jənt

Definition of intelligent

1a : having or indicating a high or satisfactory degree of intelligence and mental capacity

b : revealing or reflecting good judgment or sound thought : skillful

2a : possessing intelligence

b : guided or directed by intellect : rational

3a : guided or controlled by a computer especially : smart sense 7c — compare dumb sense 7

b : able to produce printed material from digital signals an intelligent copier

Other Words from intelligent Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Phrases Containing intelligent Learn More About intelligent

Other Words from intelligent

intelligential \ in-ˌte-lə-ˈjen(t)-shəl

\ adjective

intelligently \ in-ˈte-lə-jənt-lē

\ adverb

Choose the Right Synonym for intelligent

intelligent, clever, alert, quick-witted mean mentally keen or quick. intelligent stresses success in coping with new situations and solving problems. an intelligent person could assemble it fast clever implies native ability or aptness and sometimes suggests a lack of more substantial qualities. clever with words alert stresses quickness in perceiving and understanding. alert to new technology quick-witted implies promptness in finding answers in debate or in devising expedients in moments of danger or challenge. no match for his quick-witted opponent

Examples of intelligent in a Sentence

She asked some intelligent questions. He's a hard worker but he's not very intelligent.

Recent Examples on the Web To suggest that this study shows any kind of systematic genetic difference between white and Black Americans that makes the former innately more intelligent than the latter is absolutely a misreading that was not intended by the study’s authors. — Emily Klancher Merchant, STAT, 23 June 2022 Introduced as a fierce and capable leader of the Rebellion in the original trilogy, adult Leia (Carrie Fisher) is sassy, intelligent, brave, kind and committed to the cause, and has long commanded a legion of devoted fans. — Tracy Brownstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2022 Like Lip, Carmy is sullen, intelligent, scrappy, and trying to find his way out of a complicated youth. — Matthew Gilbert, BostonGlobe.com, 22 June 2022 As well as having an innate control over time, Five is also a skilled assassin and intelligent thinker. — Amy Mackelden, Harper's BAZAAR, 22 June 2022 The high-speed dryer works to dry hair faster than most other models and uses intelligent heat control to make hair super shiny. — Rebecca Carhart, Travel + Leisure, 21 June 2022 Sam works for a prestigious Chambers, and is a highly intelligent and strategic barrister. — Jem Aswad, Variety, 21 June 2022 Being strong, intelligent and independent is by no means something that’s going to protect you. — Beatrice Verhoeven, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 June 2022 Dangerous physical labor is being reduced as intelligent machines replace humans, and so on. — Brian H. Robb, Forbes, 15 June 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'intelligent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Learn More About intelligent

Dictionary Entries Near intelligent

intelligency

intelligent

intelligent design

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Last Updated

25 Jun 2022

Cite this Entry

“Intelligent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intelligent. Accessed 30 Jun. 2022.

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More Definitions for intelligent

intelligent

adjective

in·tel·li·gent | \ in-ˈte-lə-jənt

Kids Definition of intelligent

1 : having or showing serious thought and good judgment an intelligent student an intelligent decision

2 : able to learn and understand Is there intelligent life on other planets?

Choose the Right Synonym for intelligent

intelligent, clever, and brilliant mean having a good amount of mental ability. intelligent is used of a person who can handle new situations and solve problems. We need an intelligent person to run the company. clever is used of a person who learns very quickly. The clever youngster learned the trick in a few minutes. brilliant is used of a person whose mental ability is much greater than normal. A brilliant doctor discovered the cure for that disease.

intelligent

adjective

in·tel·li·gent

Legal Definition of intelligent

: having or indicating a high or satisfactory degree of intelligence and mental capacity especially : having or indicating an understanding of the nature and consequences of an act or decision a knowing and intelligent waiver of counsel — compare knowing

Note: Under Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966), a waiver of rights must be knowing and intelligent.