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 Crypto-native infrastructure, traditional assets, stablecoins, payments, savings and intelligent AI protection are beginning to come together in one always-on system. — Nia Bowers, IndyStar, 27 Aug. 2026 Pitch-reading is far from an exact science, and plenty of highly experienced, intelligent players and pundits are completely in the dark about interpreting a 22-yard section of grass. — Ben Jones aug. 26, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Nobody in their right mind would argue that Alphabet and Nvidia need laws to protect them from competition, but lots of otherwise intelligent people believe that banks, an even more profitable group of companies, do need such protection. — Omid Malekan, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026 Goodbye, intelligent devices and Bluetooth-enabled everything. — Kelsey Mulvey, Vogue, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intelligent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for intelligent

Adjective

But by defending in this way, Chelsea are giving smart opponents the advantage in the battle for possession.

— Jon Mackenzie, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
But getting there wasn’t just about making smart product decisions.

— Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of smart

Adjective

The smell of freshly ground espresso and incense fills the air, and staff speak to patients in hushed, discreet tones, almost as if discussing state secrets.

— Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
In general, the service here is gentle and unfurls at your pace, striking a balance between friendly and discreet.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of discreet

Adjective

The midfielder is a clever front-foot defender, capable of an early tackle or interception to halt opposition momentum.

— Carl Anka, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Allowing commercial director Joe Pytka to continue that work in a feature film that saw Jordan playing basketball alongside the Looney Tunes characters was a clever extension of the campaign.

— Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of clever

Adjective

Taxpayers may qualify for relief due to a good compliance history, reasonable cause, or a statutory exception.

— Jamela Adam, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
He’s also pushed to make sure The Gilded Age returned with new seasons as soon as was reasonable (those fancy parties and elaborate sets take time) and is looking to return Game of Thrones spinoff A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms on an annual basis.

— Josef Adalian, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of reasonable

Adjective

Florida’s Republican gubernatorial ticket is defying historic trends for a political party traditionally known for elevating white men to leadership positions — even as the GOP remains cautious about drawing attention to the shift.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026
Bindi, a young female wallaby, is inquisitive and extremely curious, while Wally, a young male wallaby, is more cautious and likes to look at things from afar, Borozenets said.

— Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of cautious

Adjective

Critics of Modi’s prudent management of Washington have not come up with a convincing alternative strategy for how India should handle the growing power imbalance with China.

— C. Raja Mohan, Foreign Affairs, 27 Aug. 2026
But Newsom’s new language moves away from the prudent standard and also drops the fatality requirement.

— Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of prudent

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“Intelligent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intelligent. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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