1
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in rational
having the ability to reason
there is some debate over whether dolphins are intelligent animals
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of intelligent
This is graceful, quietly intelligent filmmaking—including a touch of unsentimental magic realism involving a wise and beautiful Norwegian Forest Cat.
—
Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 23 May 2025
Buzz miniature even stops at a tiny charging station, relying on intelligent control electronics to get their safely and efficiently.
—New Atlas, 22 May 2025
Wolves are vicious and intelligent group hunters, but dogs and thunderstorms famously do not mix.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 22 May 2025
So, why do these intelligent cetaceans continue to become entangled in fishing gear?
—Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for intelligent
Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 23 May 2025
Buzz miniature even stops at a tiny charging station, relying on intelligent control electronics to get their safely and efficiently.
—New Atlas, 22 May 2025
Wolves are vicious and intelligent group hunters, but dogs and thunderstorms famously do not mix.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 22 May 2025
So, why do these intelligent cetaceans continue to become entangled in fishing gear?
—Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for intelligent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intelligent
Adjective
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My family doctor sometimes gets me good care through sub-specialists — few actual doctors, but nonetheless smart people.—
Charles Hammer,
Kansas City Star,
28 May 2025
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Ushering In The Electrification Era Technologies enabling smart renewable energy solutions, reliable battery-management systems and sustainable manufacturing practices are central to our electricity infrastructure.—
Henrik Mannesson,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
Adjective
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And, of course, doing all these things in the presence of clients just shows a complete lack of rational thought.—
Joe Cermele,
Outdoor Life,
29 May 2025
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This is a state where each person settles on a strategy that feels rational given everyone else’s, even if the group as a whole is stuck in mediocrity.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
Adjective
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Almost a decade later, Ionescu faced the Bay Area’s new WNBA team for the first time, and had a relatively discreet eight-point, six-assist, five-rebound night, numbers that severely underrate her impact.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
28 May 2025
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There’s a Shanghai outpost of its discreet Stefano Ricci club for its community of top-spending clients who spend around €50K-€5 million a year; another is earmarked to open soon in Beijing.—
Gemma A. Williams,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
Adjective
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Charlie Davis Season: 46 Placed: 2nd If Q was the hurricane blowing through Survivor 46, Davis was a source of calm geniality at the center, constantly quoting Taylor Swift songs while obscuring his careful, clever gameplay.—
Ben Rosenstock,
Time,
29 May 2025
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The 76 gasoline brand, after all, evokes the patriotism of 1776 — a clever marketing ploy.—
Sammy Roth,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2025
Adjective
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Protect kids, whose skin is especially sensitive to UV damage Be cautious around water and sand, which reflect UV rays and increase exposure Check the UV index in your area for real-time guidance on sun safety To see the entire 2025 Annual Guide to Sunscreens report, click here.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
22 May 2025
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While there's no way to know who will have a reaction to the stings, Suiter says that anyone who carries an Epipen for other stinging insects should be exceptionally cautious.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
22 May 2025
Adjective
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Shooting victim Sarah Milgrim remembered as 'a light' who fought antisemitism Israeli Embassy shooting: See the scene Real quick All American Rejects singer explains what's up with viral pop-up shows.—
Rebecca Morin,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
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The ship was to be the second major navy surface vessel revealed in quick succession by North Korea.—
Gawon Bae,
CNN Money,
22 May 2025
Adjective
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Under coach Manolo González, Espanyol has just placed a reasonable 14th in La Liga.—
Henry Flynn,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
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Like when Jesse makes the perfectly reasonable decision not to mount a doomed attempt to save a cultist when they're outnumbered by WLF members.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
27 May 2025
Adjective
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Beyond tariffs: Be judicious in your expansion plans.—
AllBusiness,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2025
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Rays — For years, the Rays have managed to field contending teams through judicious under-the-radar trades by GM Erik Neander despite one of the lowest payrolls in baseball.—
Bill Madden,
New York Daily News,
10 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Intelligent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intelligent. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
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