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 Workers assemble new energy vehicles at an intelligent factory of electric vehicle enterprise Leapmotor on January 13, 2026 in Jinhua, Zhejiang Province of China. — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026 At the same time, new responsibilities are appearing around agents, workflow orchestration, digital performance, access, oversight and the economics of intelligent work. — Keith Ferrazzi, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026 And Amodei, according to Bache, is an overthinker and a worrier, while Pichai is a highly intelligent strategist. — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026 Legitimate concerns about abuse can be mitigated through intelligent regulation, not by eliminating a long-standing policing tool. — Rafael A. Mangual, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intelligent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for intelligent

Adjective

Here are the best, smartest and most revolutionary titles the genre created.

— Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 19 Oct. 2026
Apple Turnovers Grandma always appreciated a smart shortcut, and these apple turnovers have that—frozen puff pastry makes the crust on these turnovers quick and easy.

— Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of smart

Adjective

Sometimes our rational understanding of life and death bumps into a seemingly impossible presence.

— Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Americans cast English severity as evidence of an old, corrupt political order and imagined their own laws as rational, proportionate and suited to free citizens.

— Maurizio Valsania, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of rational

Adjective

For something more discreet, there’s a delicate pendant with a single pavé oval, just the thing to wear with an open-collar shirt or layered with a favorite gold chain.

— Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 15 Oct. 2026
At the same time, brands such as Bottega Veneta offered a more discreet form of luxury rooted in purity of design and craftsmanship.

— Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of discreet

Adjective

Fixing Loose Tiles With Hot Glue When tile loosens, one apparently clever home DIY is to reapply it with a hot glue gun.

— Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 15 Oct. 2026
Butter Squishy Butter squishy toys had a banner year, so dressing like one is a fun way to have a clever, timely costume.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of clever

Adjective

For properties other than single-family homes and duplexes, the statute addresses reasonable provisions for clean and safe common areas along with services such as garbage removal and extermination of certain pests.

— Emma Clapp, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026
These are reasonable explanations for a temporary change, Desai says.

— Angela Haupt, Time, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of reasonable

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“Intelligent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intelligent. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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