intelligent

adjective

in-ˈte-lə-jənt How to pronounce intelligent (audio)
Definition of intelligentnext
1
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
2
as in rational
having the ability to reason there is some debate over whether dolphins are intelligent animals

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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 What matters more is the idea of an operating model in which machines, systems, material flows and decisions become more connected, automated and intelligent over time. — Arungalai Anbarasu, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 The robot staff behind the scenes Pudu's FlashBot will run an intelligent vending system, allowing guests to order drink deliveries by smartphone. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026 The group’s formation is an indication of how the investigation of UAPs and the possibility of contact with intelligent alien life has gained acceptance in mainstream culture—and the halls of power. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 2 July 2026 PCMag expert Brian Westover praised the Surface Pro 2025 in his review, highlighting its seamless integration of AI tools through Windows 11 Copilot and calling it a standout for its intelligent features and robust hardware. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for intelligent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intelligent
  1. smart
  2. rational
  3. discreet
  4. clever
  5. reasonable
  6. cautious
  7. quick
  8. prudent
Adjective
  • Like its existing Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley smart glasses lines, the new designs are developed with EssilorLuxxottica — the group that also owns Prada eyewear, rumored to be Meta’s next collaborator.
    — Amy O’Brien, Vogue, 7 July 2026
  • Recreating the look is easy at Quince, where smart trousers and shirts are available in similar colors and materials that channel the same laid-back aesthetic.
    — Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
Definition of smart
Adjective
  • The value equation was rational, transactional and easy to understand.
    — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Perhaps there was a rational explanation for the man outside her apartment.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 June 2026
Definition of rational
Adjective
  • And for anyone who loves a good celebrity wedding, the Kelce-Swift union has been something of a masterclass in how to throw a huge party that may not be discreet but certainly has style.
    — Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
  • Inside at Revel Lounge, half the après crowd sips cocktails in robes and slippers while the other half have logged back on with work and are huddled away in the bar’s many discreet nooks and corners.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026
Definition of discreet
Adjective
  • See, for me, naming a snowplow isn’t just about clever wordplay.
    — Mark Glende, Twin Cities, 2 July 2026
  • Later in the day, your mind finds a clever solution, a useful contact or a whole new point of view.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026
Definition of clever
Adjective
  • Part of what’s at work is a reasonable desire to give a party with more than its share of grizzled congressional veterans a jolt of youthful energy.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • This week prosecutors need only demonstrate that there are reasonable grounds to believe Robinson killed Kirk.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 July 2026
Definition of reasonable
Adjective
  • Consumer confidence ticked up in June after weeks of anxiety tied to the conflict, though people remain cautious as worries about jobs and prices persist.
    — David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 4 July 2026
  • Gymshark’s growth has slowed as competition has intensified and consumers have become more cautious about spending.
    — Robert Olsen, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Definition of cautious
Adjective
  • Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley There may still be questions about whether the romance between Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley was genuine, and their secret, quick-turn overseas wedding didn't help matters.
    — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • But upon closer inspection Mbiya appears significantly leaner and quicker.
    — Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026
Definition of quick
Adjective
  • Not only did the Sabres not have the cap room for either one of those deals, but neither one would have been prudent with Buffalo’s long-term vision in mind.
    — Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 2 July 2026
  • Josh Hawley of Florida and Brian Kemp of Georgia, a little distance might prove prudent.
    — Philip Elliott, Time, 1 July 2026
Definition of prudent

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Cite this Entry

“Intelligent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intelligent. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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