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.

“I know a lot of feisty, fun, and intelligent women and I knew when I met her that she was one of them.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Technosignatures may be more convincing, but they depend on assumptions about how intelligent life might behave, which adds uncertainty.

From Science Daily • Apr. 15, 2026

“There’s no letter accompanying anyone’s name. ... I personally support him because he’s an intelligent alternative.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

My best guess is that Cassidy and Kaine themselves — being the intelligent and diligent legislators they are — would prefer a serious approach and offer this proposal simply to move their colleagues to action.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

Alone in my bedroom, I studied pictures of intelligent men and searched for a common denominator.

From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris

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!