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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 is graceful, quietly intelligent filmmaking—including a touch of unsentimental magic realism involving a wise and beautiful Norwegian Forest Cat. Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 23 May 2025 Buzz miniature even stops at a tiny charging station, relying on intelligent control electronics to get their safely and efficiently. New Atlas, 22 May 2025 Wolves are vicious and intelligent group hunters, but dogs and thunderstorms famously do not mix. Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 22 May 2025 So, why do these intelligent cetaceans continue to become entangled in fishing gear? Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for intelligent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intelligent
Adjective
  • Ushering In The Electrification Era Technologies enabling smart renewable energy solutions, reliable battery-management systems and sustainable manufacturing practices are central to our electricity infrastructure.
    Henrik Mannesson, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Related article iPhone could triple in price to $3,500 if they’re made in the US, analyst warns Mohit Kumar, CEO and founder of smart ring maker Ultrahuman, has firsthand experience shifting production of a tech product to the US from India.
    Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • And, of course, doing all these things in the presence of clients just shows a complete lack of rational thought.
    Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 29 May 2025
  • This is a state where each person settles on a strategy that feels rational given everyone else’s, even if the group as a whole is stuck in mediocrity.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Almost a decade later, Ionescu faced the Bay Area’s new WNBA team for the first time, and had a relatively discreet eight-point, six-assist, five-rebound night, numbers that severely underrate her impact.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 28 May 2025
  • There’s a Shanghai outpost of its discreet Stefano Ricci club for its community of top-spending clients who spend around €50K-€5 million a year; another is earmarked to open soon in Beijing.
    Gemma A. Williams, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • The 76 gasoline brand, after all, evokes the patriotism of 1776 — a clever marketing ploy.
    Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
  • Charlie Davis Season: 46 Placed: 2nd If Q was the hurricane blowing through Survivor 46, Davis was a source of calm geniality at the center, constantly quoting Taylor Swift songs while obscuring his careful, clever gameplay.
    Ben Rosenstock, Time, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • The Chiefs, who have a history of being cautious with their rookies during summer practices, nonetheless had Simmons participate in non-team drills during rookie minicamp last month.
    Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star, 3 June 2025
  • Here are some tips to choose high-quality olive oil: Be cautious with olive oils that bear significantly lower prices.
    Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • The original rat killer Published April 25, 2007 With one quick flick of his wrist, Scott Mellanby felled a rodent and became part of South Florida sports lore.
    Jeff Kleinman, Miami Herald, 3 June 2025
  • No matter how small your business, here is a quick blueprint for strengthening your defense against common cyber threats: Start with the basics.
    Harry Kazakian, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • Under coach Manolo González, Espanyol has just placed a reasonable 14th in La Liga.
    Henry Flynn, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Like when Jesse makes the perfectly reasonable decision not to mount a doomed attempt to save a cultist when they're outnumbered by WLF members.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • Beyond tariffs: Be judicious in your expansion plans.
    AllBusiness, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
  • Rays — For years, the Rays have managed to field contending teams through judicious under-the-radar trades by GM Erik Neander despite one of the lowest payrolls in baseball.
    Bill Madden, New York Daily News, 10 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Intelligent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intelligent. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.

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