intelligent

[in-tel-i-juhnt] / ɪnˈtɛl ɪ dʒənt /

ADJECTIVE

very smart

Synonyms

STRONGEST

astute brainy bright brilliant creative imaginative inventive knowledgeable original perceptive rational resourceful smart well-informed wise

WEAK

able acute alert alive all there apt calculating capable clever comprehending deep discerning enlightened exceptional highbrow ingenious instructed keen knowing penetrating perspicacious profound quick quick-witted ready reasonable responsible sage sharp thinking together understanding whiz witty

Antonyms

STRONGEST

dark dull ignorant normal old stupid typical unaware uncreative uneducated unimaginative unintelligent uninventive unreasonable unresourceful worn

WEAK

foolish idiotic imbecile

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"The brain somehow makes us intelligent," Kerstjens says.

From Science Daily • Jun. 25, 2026

The Three Lions' midfield also looked one dimensional, raising questions about what impact a creator such as Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White might have made, or someone with Adam Wharton's intelligent range of passing.

From BBC • Jun. 24, 2026

Houdon’s Franklin, though clearly an old man, looks amused and engaged, with a youthful gaze, but also highly intelligent and judicious, sociable but not entirely available, a bit enigmatic.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 2026

An "extremely intelligent" bear that injured four people in northern Japan remains at large as of Friday, after apparently unlatching a window while evading capture and turning on a water tap, officials said.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

The glittering green eyes, examining Jeremy as carefully as he was examining their owner, looked like a pair of intelligent emeralds.

From "Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher" by Bruce Coville

Vocabulary lists containing intelligent

More Positive Words to Describe a Person

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Positive Words to Describe People, List 1

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

List 5

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!