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.

Dr Ben King, who was Redfearn's tutor for five years, said he had been "highly intelligent", and a "lovely lad" who "everyone admired".

From BBC • May 23, 2026

To see how birds stack up against other intelligent animals, Mr. Lefebvre contrasts them to primates.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

When his character contacts Léa Seydoux’s French plant expert, it becomes almost too much rapturously intelligent star wattage for one quietly poetic movie, even if these god-tier actors are just zooming and talking shop.

From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2026

He’s clearly an old soul, keenly intelligent, cheeky and sensitive.

From Salon • May 15, 2026

Speak with very intelligent people and you may be impressed; you may even be amazed.

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin

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!