INTELLIGENT Synonyms: 205 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

intelligent

adjective

in-ˈte-lə-jənt

Definition of intelligent next

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

as in rational

having the ability to reason there is some debate over whether dolphins are intelligent animals

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Examples 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 German Shepherds are considered to be one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world because of unique characteristics that distinguish them from all other pups. —

George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024 Mangione was intelligent – a high school valedictorian who earned an Ivy League master's degree. —

Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 23 Dec. 2024 For businesses in the scientific fields, applications using super intelligent AI will leverage that technology to speed up research and development and create better products. —

Gene Marks, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024 The referees have to be intelligent and the first moment was difficult. —

Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 27 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for intelligent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for intelligent

Adjective

As with other types of small drone, this capability could spread quickly among both friendly and hostile forces, although replicating the smart AI software sets a much higher bar than simply copying hardware. Follow me on Twitter.

David Hambling, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
And shop additional deals on streaming devices, smart televisions, and even on-ear headphones for kids.

Megan Schaltegger, People.com, 1 Jan. 2025