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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
But emotionally intelligent people don’t accept the first answer an algorithm gives them.
—
Carol Parker Walsh, CNBC, 25 Mar. 2026
Herzog depicts the bushmen who aid Boyes as dignified, diligent and intelligent without romanticizing them while capturing the rugged beauty of the African landscape.
—Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2026
Tap the steering wheel shift paddles to move between recuperation levels, from maximum (D-) through standard (D), none (D+), or intelligent (D Auto).
—Sean Evans, Robb Report, 24 Mar. 2026
Remotasks is one of many research firms that aim to teach artificial intelligence models to be more intelligent.
—Kathy Kristof, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for intelligent
Carol Parker Walsh, CNBC, 25 Mar. 2026
Herzog depicts the bushmen who aid Boyes as dignified, diligent and intelligent without romanticizing them while capturing the rugged beauty of the African landscape.
—Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2026
Tap the steering wheel shift paddles to move between recuperation levels, from maximum (D-) through standard (D), none (D+), or intelligent (D Auto).
—Sean Evans, Robb Report, 24 Mar. 2026
Remotasks is one of many research firms that aim to teach artificial intelligence models to be more intelligent.
—Kathy Kristof, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for intelligent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intelligent
Adjective
-
The Mets, Phillies and Braves are smart, draft well, develop players and spend big.—
Greg Cote
Updated March 27,
Miami Herald,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Despite standing at 6-foot-2 and playing a game more suited for a forward six inches taller, Payton entered Friday night having made 16 consecutive field goals, the vast majority of them being opportunistic dunks and layups off smart cuts and putbacks.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
If more teams have lottery access and the worst teams don’t gain much by being the worst, then more franchises can justify late-season losing as a rational move.—
C.J. Holmes,
New York Daily News,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Condemning Israel for its treatment of Palestinian dreams and aspirations is a rational choice.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Built in 2012 to replace the somewhat outdated 1960s original, and then having undergone a sweeping guest rooms renovation in 2024, this 55-story tower in the chic Yorkville neighborhood continues to nail the concept of discreet luxury.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Mar. 2026
-
In spring 2026 shoes typically associated with our beloved grannies—think square-toe silhouettes, short block heels, and discreet buckles—have resurfaced as an elegant footwear alternative.—
Alex Sales,
Glamour,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
More than this, or in spite of this, Tim was clever and silly.—
Cassandra Neyenesch,
New Yorker,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice is bursting with ideas that feel like clever marginalia on an otherwise familiar setup.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Be cautious of calls or emails claiming to be from your bank asking for verification or urgent action.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Be cautious — but don’t write off rattlesnakes as vicious, the experts say.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The strikes temporarily disrupted the spacecraft’s electrical systems, but quick action by mission control kept the mission on track.—
Brandi D. Addison,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Hours were spent on Zoom calls with Garden (based in England) poring over match film on Wyscout, Olsson quick to point out the flaws and areas of improvement and Garden quicker to point out the strengths.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The Marlins under this owner have no reasonable way out of this rut of building on the cheap toward a future that never gets here.—
Greg Cote
Updated March 27,
Miami Herald,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Claims against the bank of negligent failure to prevent physical harm and reasonable care as a banking institution, and aiding and abetting trafficking violations in the initial complaint, were dismissed by Rakoff in mid-February.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
That move, which may have seemed prudent at the time, ended up killing off the TFG’s chances.—
Bryan Hood,
Robb Report,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Local launch traffic will likely be heavy, so leaving yourself hours of flexibility is prudent.—
Elizabeth Howell,
Space.com,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Intelligent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intelligent. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
