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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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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 Original price: $649.99 The Dyson V12 Detect Slim is Dyson's lightest intelligent cordless vacuum cleaner which features a Fluffy Optic cleaner head with a precisely angled laser that illuminates invisible dust on hard floors. Nora Colomer May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 10 July 2025 Combined with the intelligent path planning algorithm, the mower ensures precision straight-line mowing with three customizable path options to match your mowing preferences. William Jones, USA Today, 9 July 2025 This demographic is intelligent, tech-savvy and often more financially empowered than younger consumers. Lara Devgan, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 Maresca would be sensible to look at the way Brighton utilise their wingers with intelligent out-to-in runs from the touchline, exploiting spaces in behind when the likes of Joao Pedro pull opposition defensive lines out of shape. Mark Carey, New York Times, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for intelligent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intelligent
Adjective
  • If you’re just getting started with rebounding and want something compact and easy to use (that doesn’t cost a small fortune), here’s a smart entry point.
    Jordan Galloway, SELF, 15 July 2025
  • The hardside spinner has a fashionable wave-like exterior, and the matching duffel makes for a smart, compact gym bag or overnight bag.
    Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • The regime’s more rational elements may eventually prevail and reduce tensions.
    Roya Hakakian, The Atlantic, 10 July 2025
  • A lot of court cases have been dealing with these cancellations as a group, highlighting the lack of scientific—or seemingly rational—input into the decisions to cut funding for entire categories of research.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • Tynan seats us at the best table at Carson’s party, where, between sips of champagne, the author points a discreet, thin finger at a parade of the sparkling departed: Jack Lemmon, Orson Welles, Tony Curtis, Gregory Peck, Billy Wilder, James Stewart.
    Stephen Colbert, New Yorker, 18 July 2025
  • At The Park is an elegant boutique hotel where chic flair meets industrial minimalism—think glazed brick corridors and curated Dutch art, including works by Raphaël Hermans and even a discreet Picasso in its Fitz’s Bar.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025
Adjective
  • The bar is a buzzy and boozy affair from 5 to 6 p.m. daily, where guests and locals gather in a ritualistic ceremony to visit and try some of the clever cocktails (like the Tropical Storm and Drunken Pimento) for which Ooshan has become known.
    Paula Conway, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Olympia’s ex-husband, Julian (Jason Ritter), the son of the firm’s head (Beau Bridges), is intrigued by Matty and her clever skills.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • Teams tend to be especially cautious with injuries this time of year.
    Garrett Chorpenning, New York Times, 9 July 2025
  • They are known to be cautious and spend most of their time on high rocky slopes mostly inaccessible to humans, making sightings rare.
    Lauren Liebhaber July 8, Miami Herald, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • The swarm — hundreds of small earthquakes hitting the same area in quick succession — started around 1:30 a.m.
    Sarah Lynch Baldwin July 9, CBS News, 9 July 2025
  • But even countries far from Beijing are making quick shifts.
    Bill McKibben, New Yorker, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • This projection appears reasonable considering that the current effective tariff rate of the U.S. has increased five-fold this year to roughly 16% according to the Yale Budget Lab.
    Nick Sargen, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Isolated locations could face a reasonable worst-case scenario of five to seven inches or more, according to the weather service.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • In a working building, often the best option is a judicious simulacrum.
    Justin Davidson, Curbed, 10 July 2025
  • Consider the judicious swapping of a line from Percy Bysshe Shelley for a line from C. Louis Leipoldt.
    The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 10 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Intelligent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intelligent. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

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