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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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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 This, along with the tendon arrangement, allows the hand to adapt to the shape of objects, mimicking the natural, intelligent grasping behavior of a human hand. Kurt Knutsson, Fox News, 1 Mar. 2025 Folding High-Velocity Hair Dryer for $250, and T3's new Aire IQ, an intelligent hair dryer for $400. Boutayna Chokrane, WIRED, 27 Feb. 2025 Michelle was fiercely intelligent, howlingly funny, and a very talented person. Jay Stahl, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2025 The software today is so intelligent and easy to use. Malaka Gharib, NPR, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intelligent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intelligent
Adjective
  • Solar energy, smart home tech and open-air designs are more popular, too.
    Spencer Elliott, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Learn about Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles, smart irrigation, vegetable gardening, and flower species to attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects.
    Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • So the rational strategy, in many cases, is to wait.
    Phil De Luna, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Also use your words to compose a factual, rational statement of your position.
    Chris John Amorosino, Hartford Courant, 4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • This exclusive neighborhood, nestled along the coastline of California, is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, discreet luxury, and appeal to high-profile residents.
    Ally Neagen, Glamour, 7 Mar. 2025
  • If these strategies aren't sufficient, explore internal opportunities or begin a discreet job search.
    Caroline Castrillon, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Their techniques are clever, and reveal interesting things about how large language models work.
    Alex Reisner, The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Aging can be a time of sustained growth — fueled by deliberate practice, emotional engagement, and the clever use of AI.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Some loyal Tesla bulls are treating the drop as a temporary setback (or even a buying opportunity), while more cautious investors are rethinking their exposure.
    Shahar Ziv, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Slow down and stay cautious: On wet roads, slowing down is paramount.
    Southern California Weather Report, Orange County Register, 10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • And for quick touch-ups on dry hair, there’s a setting that goes up to 320°F.
    Siena Gagliano, Allure, 11 Mar. 2025
  • In his final words his team before tip-off, Skerry stressed filling the gaps on defense, turning defensive rebounds into quick transition offense, and running a first offensive play featuring sophomore guard and CAA Player of the Year Tyler Tejada.
    Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • With a reasonable $3.5 million cap hit for another two years, this is the kind of reclamation project the Penguins should be investing in.
    Shayna Goldman, The Athletic, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Even when a parent has coverage, a lactation consultant may not be within a reasonable driving distance.
    Melissa Willets, Parents, 5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The measure also seeks to force insurers to be more judicious with denials, by fining them up to $1 million per case if more than half of appeals filed with regulators are overturned in a year.
    Christine Mai-Duc, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2025
  • The answer to those needs is the judicious use of generative AI.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Intelligent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intelligent. Accessed 16 Mar. 2025.

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