INTELLIGENT Synonyms: 204 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

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

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as in rational

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

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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

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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

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 Its automatic two-sided printing saves paper on long study guides, while intelligent self-healing Wi-Fi ensures your printer stays connected across all your laptops and mobile devices. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 7 Aug. 2026 But those who have developed emotionally intelligent leadership won't just introduce the technology. — Olatunde Badmus, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 The problem, according to Hinton, is that humans will no longer be able to rely on outsmarting super-intelligent AI models. — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026 Inside the new controller Rather than storing data itself, the MXC chip acts as an intelligent bridge between a server’s processor and external DDR5 memory. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intelligent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for intelligent

Adjective

Gameplay sees major defensive overhauls, smarter linebackers, and complex pre-snap options, creating a deeper, more challenging experience.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
If Vuskovic grows into a Premier League regular and leader at Brighton, that club-record fee will turn into a smart piece of business.

— Andy Naylor, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of smart

Adjective

Her mental health afterward Two forensic psychiatrists testified Monday that Clancy appeared clear-headed and rational in the days after the killings.

— Andi Babineau, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
Employers must move beyond resilience training, creating transparent, equitable workplaces where effort is rewarded and mistakes are tolerated, ensuring ambition remains a rational choice for diverse talent.

— Nancy Doyle, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of rational

Adjective

Modern comforts are discreet and well-judged, such as the freestanding clay bathtubs in some suites.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Aug. 2026
They’re made from 100 percent linen, measure 18 by 18 inches, and come with a discreet zipper for a polished finish.

— Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of discreet

Adjective

Therefore, Tunick remains presumed innocent unless prosecutors prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Since the State could not disprove the justification defense beyond a reasonable doubt, the evidence resulted in the decision that no criminal charges would be filed against the fast-food employees.

— Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of reasonable

Adjective

There would also be tremendous political upside for Pritzker’s efforts to position himself as a fiscally prudent Democratic candidate for president.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
The researchers also found tighter pricing that indicates lenders are competing more aggressively to win business — never a great sign of prudent risk management.

— Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of prudent

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“Intelligent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intelligent. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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