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.

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

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

She doesn’t mean to be, she doesn’t take herself too seriously, but she happens to be very intelligent, so that combination of those two things makes her just appealing.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026

Sheep are not only intelligent, as someone observes, but they can be inspirational.

From Salon • May 17, 2026

She added that, as "intelligent, sensitive animals", any activity involving donkeys must always prioritise their welfare.

From BBC • May 16, 2026

In imagining myself as modest, mysterious, and fiercely intelligent, I'm forced to realize that, in real life, I have none of these qualities.

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!