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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in rational

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 There is speculation that the string of robberies could be a result of a highly intelligent crime ring. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024 Choose among an array of gifts to enhance in-flight comfort, including a travel-sized Theragun to ease muscle cramps, an intelligent Dyson Airwrap, and a premium hydrating face mask. —

Jaclyn Trop, Robb Report, 10 Dec. 2024 The film follows a struggling father Nick (Michele Morrone) who buys a lifelike artificially intelligent sim named Alice (Megan Fox) to help with housework while his wife Maggie (Madeline Zima) remains in the hospital awaiting a heart transplant. —

Jordana Comiter, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024 The company, headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., is a semiconductor manufacturer serving tens of thousands of customers across several markets with intelligent power and sensing technologies. —

IEEE Spectrum, 7 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for intelligent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for intelligent

Adjective

In response, social media companies’ algorithms to detect drug-selling behavior are getting smarter and are aggregating images and emojis, Fuller says.

Mattha Busby, WIRED, 17 Dec. 2024
This includes smart TVs, non-gaming laptops, phones, tablets or third party gaming devices.

Paul Tassi, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024