smart

[ smahrt ]

/ smɑrt /

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See synonyms for: smart / smarter / smartest / smarting on Thesaurus.com

verb (used without object)

to be a source of sharp, local, and usually superficial pain, as a wound.

to be the cause of a sharp, stinging pain, as an irritating application, a blow, etc.

to feel a sharp, stinging pain, as in a wound.

to suffer keenly from wounded feelings: She smarted under their criticism.

to feel shame or remorse or to suffer in punishment or in return for something.

verb (used with object)

to cause a sharp pain to or in.

adjective, smart·er, smart·est.

quick or prompt in action, as persons.

having or showing quick intelligence or ready mental capability: a smart student.

shrewd or sharp, as a person in dealing with others or as in business dealings: a smart businessman.

clever, witty, or readily effective, as a speaker, speech, rejoinder, etc.

dashingly or impressively neat or trim in appearance, as persons, dress, etc.

socially elegant; sophisticated or fashionable: the smart crowd.

saucy; pert: smart remarks.

sharply brisk, vigorous, or active: to walk with smart steps.

sharply severe, as a blow, stroke, etc.

sharp or keen: a smart pain.

Digital Technology.

(of a machine, system, etc.) equipped with electronic control mechanisms, software programs, etc., and capable of remote, automated, and seemingly intelligent operation: smart copiers;smart weapons;a smart thermostat.
equipped with microprocessors, as for data processing, internet access, etc. (usually used in combination): a smartphone;a smartwatch.

having properties that can be changed in response to stimuli or environmental conditions; self-regulating: smart fabrics that respond to temperature or light.

Older Use. considerable; fairly large.

adverb

in a smart manner; smartly.

noun

a sharp local pain, usually superficial, as from a wound, blow, or sting.

keen mental suffering, as from wounded feelings, affliction, grievous loss, etc.

smarts, Slang. intelligence; common sense: He never had the smarts to use his opportunities.

OTHER WORDS FOR smart

1 pain, hurt, sting.

7 lively, nimble, agile, alert, active.

8 bright, sharp, expert, adroit.

9 cunning, adept.

11 spruce; pretentious, showy.

12 chic.

14 energetic.

16 stinging, poignant, penetrating.

See synonyms for smart on Thesaurus.com

OPPOSITES FOR smart

8 stupid.

See antonyms for smart on Thesaurus.com

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of smart

First recorded before 1050; Middle English (verb) smerten, Old English -smeortan (only in the compound fyrsmeortende “painful like fire”), cognate with Old High German smerzan (German schmerzen ); (adjective) Middle English smerte, smart “quick, prompt, sharp,” originally, “biting, smarting,” late Old English smearte, akin to the verb; (adverb and noun) Middle English smerte, derivative of the adjective

OTHER WORDS FROM smart

smart·ing·ly, adverbsmart·ly, adverbsmart·ness, nounsu·per·smart, adjective

su·per·smart·ness, nounul·tra·smart, adjectiveun·smart, adjectiveun·smart·ing, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use smart in a sentence

The SMART Lab researches and develops new technologies to make American infrastructure “intelligent,” safer, and more cost-effective.
Smart Concrete Could Pave the Way for High-Tech, Cost-Effective Roads|Luna Lu|November 13, 2020|Singularity Hub
According to the CPSC, the issue relates specifically to the use of incorrect screws during the smart doorbell’s installation.
Ring doorbells recalled over fire threat|Brian Heater|November 11, 2020|TechCrunch
The Titans and Bears are still smarting from tough losses in Week 8.
NFL games on TV: Games will look different; Tom Brady vs. Drew Brees, Part 2|Cindy Boren|November 8, 2020|Washington Post
Google's voice recognition means it understands most of the questions you ask it, and the Google Maps-powered navigation app is smart enough to know your battery state of charge so it can direct you to charging if needed en route.
The electric Volvo XC40 Recharge: First-drive impressions|Jonathan M. Gitlin|November 6, 2020|Ars Technica

We need both male and female allies with check-writing abilities to see investments in women not as a statistic to increase, but as smart business—one that’s good for men, women, and our health care system.
Women are America’s most important health care customers. So why is the system designed by men?|jakemeth|November 5, 2020|Fortune
Still fearful and smarting from the pain, I arrived on time and was led to chair in his office.
I Was Gang Raped at a UVA Frat 30 Years Ago, and No One Did Anything|Liz Seccuro|December 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“I think we were smarting a bit at the criticism,” he told me.
‘Still Positive’ Shows Why ‘Homeland’ Hasn’t Jumped the Shark (Yet)|Andrew Romano|November 4, 2013|DAILY BEAST
I think we were smarting a bit at the criticism ... We knew we had to plot a new course for the show.
‘Homeland’ Showrunner: ‘We Knew We Had to Plot a New Course’|Andrew Romano|September 30, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Jordan is still smarting from this early lesson in politics.
Vernon Jordan Speaks Out on Obama’s Reelection, Bill Clinton, and More|Eleanor Clift|April 25, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Romney is smarting from attacks over his time as the head of Bain Capital, the Boston private-equity firm he founded.
To Romney, Detractors Suffer From Envy|Kirsten Powers|January 13, 2012|DAILY BEAST
But her tenderness and marked affection went some way to soothe the smarting of the girl's sore feelings.
Robin Redbreast|Mary Louisa Molesworth
General Johnston was smarting under the criticisms of the campaign which resulted in the loss of Donelson.
"Shiloh" as Seen by a Private Soldier|Warren Olney
They rose to fight, and dispersed for safety, leaving their smarting foe unable to strike for lack of a billet.
The Life of Napoleon Bonaparte|William Milligan Sloane
You speak in cold blood, Master Heriot, and I was smarting under a thousand wrongs inflicted on me under the mask of friendship.
The Fortunes of Nigel|Sir Walter Scott
Stover, smarting at his humiliation below, seized the opportunity for revenge.
The Varmint|Owen Johnson

British Dictionary definitions for smart (1 of 2)

smart

/ (smɑːt) /

adjective

astute, as in business; clever or bright

quick, witty, and often impertinent in speecha smart talker

fashionable; chica smart hotel

well-kept; neat

causing a sharp stinging pain

vigorous or brisk

dialect considerable or numerousa smart price

(of systems) operating as if by human intelligence by using automatic computer control

(of a projectile or bomb) containing a device that allows it to be guided to its target

verb (mainly intr)

to feel, cause, or be the source of a sharp stinging physical pain or keen mental distressa nettle sting smarts; he smarted under their abuse

(often foll by for) to suffer a harsh penalty

noun

a stinging pain or feeling

adverb

in a smart manner

Derived forms of smart

smartish, adjectivesmartly, adverbsmartness, noun

Word Origin for smart

Old English smeortan; related to Old High German smerzan, Latin mordēre to bite, Greek smerdnos terrible

British Dictionary definitions for smart (2 of 2)

Smart

/ (smɑːt) /

noun

Christopher. 1722–71, British poet, author of A Song to David (1763) and Jubilate Agno (written 1758–63, published 1939). He was confined (1756–63) for religious mania and died in a debtors' prison

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

smart

OTHER WORDS FOR smart

OPPOSITES FOR smart

Origin of smart

OTHER WORDS FROM smart

Words related to smart

How to use smart in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for smart (1 of 2)

Derived forms of smart

Word Origin for smart

British Dictionary definitions for smart (2 of 2)