Synonyms for "smart"

14 kid-friendly synonyms for smart, sorted by grade level (K-2, 3-5, 6-8).

What does "smart" mean?

The word smart is an adjective that means: good at thinking and learning.

Example: "The smart dog can do tricks."

Grade K–2Easy synonyms for smart

Younger kids can use these in place of "smart":

Grade 3–5Stronger words for smart

For elementary writers ready to add precision and variety to their vocabulary:

Grade 6–8Middle-school vocabulary for smart

Tier 2 academic alternatives — useful for essays, persuasive writing, and standardized tests:

Opposites of smart (antonyms)

Words that mean the opposite of smart:

See the full smart antonyms page →

FAQ — synonyms for smart

What is a good synonym for smart in a kid's writing?
For K-2 writers, try clever. For older students, "intelligent" reads more naturally in school writing.
How many synonyms does smart have?
We list 14 grade-appropriate synonyms for smart across three reading levels. Adults' thesauruses include dozens more, but most aren't useful for K-8 vocabulary.
Is smart a noun, verb, or adjective?
In this entry, smart is used as an adjective.

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