INTELLIGENT Synonyms: 205 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'intelligent' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of intelligent are alert , clever , and quick-witted . While all these words mean "mentally keen or quick," intelligent stresses success in coping with new situations and solving problems. // an intelligent person could assemble it fast

Q: When is 'alert' a more appropriate choice than 'intelligent'?

While in some cases nearly identical to intelligent , alert stresses quickness in perceiving and understanding. // alert to new technology

Q: When would 'clever' be a good substitute for 'intelligent'?

Although the words clever and intelligent have much in common, clever implies native ability or aptness and sometimes suggests a lack of more substantial qualities. // clever with words

Q: When might 'quick-witted' be a better fit than 'intelligent'?

The words quick-witted and intelligent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

intelligent

adjective

in-ˈte-lə-jənt

Definition of intelligent next

as in smart

having or showing quickness of mind proud parents typically insist that their child is intelligent way beyond his or her years his intelligent response to the emergency averted a disaster

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in rational

having the ability to reason there is some debate over whether dolphins are intelligent animals

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in discreet

having or showing good judgment and restraint especially in conduct or speech the only intelligent response to such a tasteless joke is to quickly change the subject

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word intelligent distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of intelligent are alert, clever, and quick-witted. While all these words mean "mentally keen or quick," intelligent stresses success in coping with new situations and solving problems.

an intelligent person could assemble it fast

When is alert a more appropriate choice than intelligent?

While in some cases nearly identical to intelligent, alert stresses quickness in perceiving and understanding.

alert to new technology

When would clever be a good substitute for intelligent?

Although the words clever and intelligent have much in common, clever implies native ability or aptness and sometimes suggests a lack of more substantial qualities.

clever with words

When might quick-witted be a better fit than intelligent?

The words quick-witted and intelligent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of intelligent The film, which follows a lonely man who acquires an artificially intelligent bot to cope with the death of his wife, is directed by Kate Dolan and stars Evil Dead Rise actress Lily Sullivan, No Exit actor David Rysdahl and The Boys star Claudia Doumit . —

Luke Chinman, People.com, 3 Feb. 2025 There are 12 zodiac animals in Chinese astrology, and people born in the year of the snake are considered intelligent, strategic, and cunning deep thinkers. —

Michael Khouw, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2025 Marianne was also educated, well read, and highly intelligent, and her innocent gaze fell on a man like a heat wave. —

Bill Wyman, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2025 Those born under the Zodiac are often seen as charismatic, intelligent, confident, powerful, naturally lucky and gifted. —

Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for intelligent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for intelligent

Adjective

The Celtics couldn’t keep Jalen Brunson off the free-throw line late in the first half but otherwise used tenacious, smart defense to hold the Knicks to 48 points on 33.3 percent field goal shooting before halftime.

— Jay King, The Athletic, 9 Feb. 2025
The Adams administration is making swift, intentional investments, building smart to protect all New Yorkers from harsh rains, blazing sun and smog.

— Meera Joshi, New York Daily News, 9 Feb. 2025