1
as in intelligent
having or showing a practical cleverness or judgment
a smart investment that has really paid off
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in clever
having or showing quickness of mind
a smart child who will do well in school
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in witty
given to or marked by mature intelligent humor
something one sees so rarely on TV: a smart sitcom
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in elegant
being strikingly neat and trim in style or appearance
dressed in their smart new uniforms, the cadets proudly paraded around the grounds of the military school
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in stylish
being in the latest or current fashion
boutiques specializing in smart clothes for cosmopolitan women
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in cute
making light of something usually regarded as serious or sacred
just joked and made smart comments during the ceremony
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in sophisticated
having a wide and refined knowledge of the world especially from personal experience
a novelist who got much of the material for his works by hanging out with the smart set
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in tingle
a sharp unpleasant sensation usually felt in some specific part of the body
the toddler was whining over the smart from the cut
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sense
smarts plural
the ability to learn and understand or to deal with problems
she had the smarts to start college at age 16, but perhaps not the emotional maturity
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in smartly
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
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 smart
Thomas Hindle, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Apr. 2022
No smart-shaming allowed here.
—Neil Senturia, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Mar. 2022
Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 10 Sep. 2025
Laura, already smart to the snowball that is beginning to form, goes to the police.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2025
Jim Cramer, CNBC, 9 June 2025
This news should help soothe General Hospital fans who are still smarting over the reveal that Jonathan Jackson is leaving Port Charles.
—Lynette Rice, Deadline, 6 June 2025
Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025
And while superb hardware is a big part of Vivo's flagship phone camera prowess, software processing also plays a significant role, and those image processing algorithms and smarts have carried over to the V series.
—Ben Sin, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for smart
Adjective
The stand has a sleek design made from thin but sturdy fiberglass, pieced together in a smart-looking Z-shape.
—Thomas Hindle, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Apr. 2022
No smart-shaming allowed here.
—Neil Senturia, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Mar. 2022
Verb
For her, clarity creates room for research, science, and smarter policy.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 10 Sep. 2025
Laura, already smart to the snowball that is beginning to form, goes to the police.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
The stock is still smarting from what people think is a true disaster brought on by high prices and stiff competition.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 9 June 2025
This news should help soothe General Hospital fans who are still smarting over the reveal that Jonathan Jackson is leaving Port Charles.
—Lynette Rice, Deadline, 6 June 2025
Adverb
With his smarts, athleticism, versatility and physicality, Hamilton has become one of the centerpieces of a Baltimore defense well-stocked with accomplished veterans and former first-round picks.
—Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025
And while superb hardware is a big part of Vivo's flagship phone camera prowess, software processing also plays a significant role, and those image processing algorithms and smarts have carried over to the V series.
—Ben Sin, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for smart
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smart
Adjective
-
Ultimately, when used thoughtfully, AI can be not only a governance tool but also a catalyst for a more intelligent, inclusive and resilient corporate future.—
Michael Hilb,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Now there’s a new high-tech member of that team ready to weigh in on just what Ralph Lauren fashion is as Ask Ralph relaunches Tuesday as an artificially intelligent shopping experience on the brand’s app.—
Evan Clark,
Footwear News,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
This can be read as a clever knock on some of the mockumentary-format comedies that followed The Office, often — ahem, Modern Family — failing to provide any actual reason for the doc-style shooting and talking-head interviews.—
Jesse Hassenger,
Vulture,
5 Sep. 2025
-
But poems are cleverer than the people who write them.—
Leila Chatti
September 5,
Literary Hub,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Also included are a selection of wise and witty quotes by Monroe herself, as well as words from scholars and admirers.—
Angela Andaloro,
PEOPLE,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Rolling Ray, a beloved social media trailblazer known for his witty one-liners and viral videos, has died, according to a social media post by Zeus Network.—
Taylor Ardrey,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Deutsche Küche Apple Frangipane Tarts For an elegant dessert option, the $4 Deutsche Küche Apple Frangipane Tarts bring a European flair to the table.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Here, the atmosphere is upscale and elegant; perhaps one of the nicest Chinese dining rooms in Charlotte, despite the staff still trying to get a handle on hostess, service and wait time logistics.—
Shindy Chen,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Lovevook Laptop Tote Bag Looking stylish for work doesn’t have to mean compromising on function.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Thankfully, Amazon has plenty of stylish wrinkle-free tops that won’t get creased on the way to your destination.—
Mia Huelsbeck,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Ofeefan Long-Sleeve A-Line Ribbed-Knit Mini Dress This mini sweater dress would look cute with a cropped leather jacket and coordinating knee-high boots.—
Emily Weaver,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Ouligay Period Bag My teen and her friends always make sure to keep their period stashes organized in one cute pouch like this black one.—
Jacquelyn Smith,
Parents,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
These critical questions require a more sophisticated ethical framework.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
-
The trendy animal print pattern combined with the crisscross buckle design offers a sophisticated, retro feel that’ll perk up any classic pair of jeans.—
Melody Kazel,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
But some of his campaign’s reactions to Fetterman’s stroke in May 2022 hurt his chances even more.—
Kimberly Ross,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Lopes is a very tough fighter, but his inability to stay technical will hurt him against the powerful Silva.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Smart.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smart. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share