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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
  • Privacy and security concerns with smart thermostats These programs also raise important data privacy concerns.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Tubi and a planned Fox One are rational entries in streaming.
    Ben Smith, semafor.com, 28 July 2025
  • His team took a rational approach to update requirements that were the same for a single-family property versus a quad plex that took up the same physical footprint but had much different needs.
    Jennifer Castenson, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
Adjective
  • So & So’s – Romer Hotel, Hell’s Kitchen, NYC How to access: Look for the discreet blue door inside the Romer Hotel lobby.
    Lanee Lee, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • The original Starlight headliner owes its existence to a customer who wanted a discreet lighting that would enable them to read the newspaper at night without distracting their driver.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 31 July 2025
Adjective
  • That includes clever storage and organizers, which are currently up to 70 percent off this month.
    Rylee Johnston, People.com, 27 July 2025
  • This is not just a clever design feature but a strategic sustainability solution.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 26 July 2025
Adjective
  • Some analysts, including those at Barclays, have also pointed out that there could be potential deceleration in the second half, keeping cautious ratings despite the company’s optimistic outlook.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Aston Martin Formula One driver Fernando Alonso has revealed a cautious approach in the wet-weather racing argument after the previous race at Spa-Francorchamps saw the FIA delay the race start by 80 minutes due to rain.
    Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Even just a quick five-minute vacuuming of high-traffic areas offers an instant refresh.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2025
  • Thank you for your bravery and quick actions in protecting the public!
    Tresa Baldas, Freep.com, 2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • There were a few reasonable opinion drafts, a couple of speeches with a Q&A transcribed, and one very excellent and complete essay on civil rights.
    Ezra Fox July 14, Literary Hub, 14 July 2025
  • Invoking Section 15 of Article 17, the NFL wants Droney to order payment of reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs—about $12 million.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 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 5 Aug. 2025.

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