See a bar as smart (6)
I believe the answer is:
clever
'smart' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
'see a bar' is the wordplay.
'see' becomes 'C' (the word for the letter, according to Chambers).
'a bar' becomes 'lever' (lever is a kind of bar).
'c'+'lever'='CLEVER'
'as' is the link.
(Other definitions for clever that I've seen before include "Mentally or physically skilful" , "Smart and ingenious" , "Quick at learning and understanding" , "Deft, able, bright" , "brilliant" .)