as in understandable
capable of being understood
speculation on the odds that a communication from a far-off planet would be intelligible
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Recent Examples of intelligible
Several shouts were audible during the first part of the ceremony, although what was said wasn't intelligible to an Associated Press reporter in the press room.
—
ABC News, 23 Feb. 2026
For example, the device may reduce amplification in a quiet room to avoid escalating background hums or else increase amplification in a noisy café to make speech more intelligible.
—IEEE Spectrum, 7 Jan. 2026
The earliest Shaker songs, including ones attributed to Lee, have no intelligible language.
—Christian Goodwillie, The Conversation, 22 Dec. 2025
His intelligible goals are, first, to create a new mass market and, second, to have Tesla hold a dominant position in that market.
—Jeremy Lott, The Washington Examiner, 14 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intelligible
ABC News, 23 Feb. 2026
For example, the device may reduce amplification in a quiet room to avoid escalating background hums or else increase amplification in a noisy café to make speech more intelligible.
—IEEE Spectrum, 7 Jan. 2026
The earliest Shaker songs, including ones attributed to Lee, have no intelligible language.
—Christian Goodwillie, The Conversation, 22 Dec. 2025
His intelligible goals are, first, to create a new mass market and, second, to have Tesla hold a dominant position in that market.
—Jeremy Lott, The Washington Examiner, 14 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intelligible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intelligible
Adjective
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Wagner already missed 48 games during the regular season while working his way back from injury, and the caution surrounding his current calf strain is understandable given the risk associated with rushing that type of issue.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 Apr. 2026
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It is often discussed in terms of leverage, supply and pricing — understandable, given its role in the global economy.—
Atom Ariola,
Mercury News,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Developed from firsthand experience in emergency response, its mission is to make critical information, such as utility shutoffs, appliance details, and maintenance records, accessible and shareable among those who rely on it.—
Malana VanTyler,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
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Kirah is an astrologer, educator, and creative consultant who is passionate about facilitating accessible astrological education and programming.—
Steph Koyfman,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Chess can seem abstruse and forbidding to the uninitiated, but Himelfarb’s account of it is as readable and comprehensible as any more familiar sports story—or, for that matter, any narrative in which a bunch of ambitious people pursue a single goal.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
26 Apr. 2026
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Dahl’s revulsion at the violence committed in Israel’s name is at once comprehensible, in and of itself, and rooted in Dahl’s set of antisemitic beliefs.—
Daniel D'Addario,
Variety,
24 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Intelligible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intelligible. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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