IQ Synonyms: 23 Similar and Opposite Words

noun

ˌī-ˈkyü

Definition of IQ

as in proficiency

a highly developed skill in or knowledge of something he has a movie IQ that is off the charts

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 IQ Largely because of Carr’s football IQ, just one team — Army, which almost never throws the ball — has faced fewer third-and-long attempts than Notre Dame. — Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2026 In the first two quarters, Miami quarterback Darian Mensah threw 12 passes 5 yards or fewer downfield, and the plays were successful 73 percent of the time, according to Hudl IQ data. — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 23 Sep. 2026 Those who already have a Peloton Tread+ can also expect new AI-powered coaching features via Peloton IQ. — Bee Wertheimer, PC Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026 Muldowney, the Sharks’ sixth-round pick in 2022, has the skating ability and hockey IQ to offset being relatively undersized at 5 feet 9 and 172 pounds. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for IQ

Recent Examples of Synonyms for IQ

proficiency

Noun

The flight simulator focuses on pilot proficiency, while the maintenance trainer is intended to develop the technical skills needed to keep aircraft available for missions.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026
But technical proficiency with AI is only part of the equation.

— Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of proficiency

Browse Nearby Words

ipso facto

IQs

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“IQ.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/IQ. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of IQ

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

fervid

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

Games & Quizzes