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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of intelligent
The evolutionary arms race A highly intelligent, 19-meter-long cephalopod actively hunting and crushing prey suggests that the Cretaceous evolutionary arms race wasn’t entirely dominated by vertebrates.
—
Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 24 Apr. 2026
Highly intelligent and mature beyond his 21 years, Downs gives defensive coordinator Christian Parker a movable chess piece similar to how Parker deployed Cooper DeJean in Philadelphia.
—Bill Jones, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
And, like modern octopuses, these ancient species were likely highly intelligent.
—Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2026
The huge prehistoric octopuses may also have been intelligent creatures.
—Adam England, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for intelligent
Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 24 Apr. 2026
Highly intelligent and mature beyond his 21 years, Downs gives defensive coordinator Christian Parker a movable chess piece similar to how Parker deployed Cooper DeJean in Philadelphia.
—Bill Jones, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
And, like modern octopuses, these ancient species were likely highly intelligent.
—Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2026
The huge prehistoric octopuses may also have been intelligent creatures.
—Adam England, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for intelligent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intelligent
Adjective
-
August 23 – September 22 A smart adjustment today creates more momentum than effort.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Apr. 2026
-
This white chocolate bar is creamy and ultra-sweet, and the great minds at TJ’s were smart to distract from the one-note flavor with crunchy little cookie crumbles.—
Alex Beggs,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Knowledge is not understood as the product of an objective and rational analysis of reality, but as the result of an intersubjective negotiation process.—
Florian Wintterlin,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
23 Apr. 2026
-
No rational argument could convince them otherwise.—
Nataliya Gumenyuk,
The Dial,
21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The Outdoor Cam Plus is a discreet and effective surveillance tool, with crisp and clear 2K video even in low light conditions, simple setup and versatile mounting to a wide variety of surfaces.—
K. Thor Jensen,
PC Magazine,
24 Apr. 2026
-
The neighborhood The Domaine is only 10 minutes down the road from A Mandria, accessed via a discreet gate and unfolding through peaceful pastures, maquis, and holm oak to the glorious curve of golden sand that is the Grande Plage d’Erbaghju.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Make working from home more enjoyable with a clever USB desk fan ($8) and soothing essential oil diffuser ($7).—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Through it all, the cats remain the center of her world — unpredictable, clever and endlessly entertaining.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Be cautious of any company that pushes a specific program without understanding your circumstances.—
Rebecca Safier,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
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Visitors should be cautious about going into a sea cave without a guide, as a swell can flow into it and dramatically raise the water level in a matter of seconds, pushing kayaks into rocks and leaving little air for those trapped inside.—
Tribune News Service,
Baltimore Sun,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The reactive Moon opposes Mars, creating tension between quick reactions and thoughtful dialogue.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 Apr. 2026
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But, a host of hotels are just a quick zip from Malé.—
Shradha Shahani,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
With a reasonable chance that both sides win all their remaining games, the size of each victory matters.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
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Although executors may be paid reasonable compensation—often up to 5% of the estate’s value—you aren’t required to accept the role.—
Nancy Ashburn,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
And that’s allowing Fed policymakers to be prudent, waiting on the sidelines to see everything play out before making a call to raise or lower rates, as several of them have said in recent public speeches, particularly the officials who dissented this week.—
Bryan Mena,
CNN Money,
29 Apr. 2026
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Trading back removed a lot of drama, but was the prudent way to go.—
Jerry McDonald,
Mercury News,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Intelligent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intelligent. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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