adj. 1 mental, cerebral The greatest minds have brought their intellectual powers to bear on the problem 2 thoughtful, thought-provoking, highbrow, academic, bookish, scholarly, Colloq brainy The professor did not find the subject intellectual enough for a dissertation
n. 3 thinker, intellect, highbrow, mastermind, genius, Colloq brain, egghead He enjoys associating with intellectuals at the university 4 scholar, academician, professor, savant, sage, wise man, guru, polymath, pundit, authority The editor of the journal is an intellectual who leaves the details of administration to her deputy