intelligence
noun
in·tel·li·gence
in-ˈte-lə-jən(t)s 
1
a(1)
: the ability to learn or understand or to deal with new or trying situations : reason
also
: the skilled use of reason
(2)
: the ability to apply knowledge to manipulate one's environment or to think abstractly as measured by objective criteria (such as tests)
b
: mental acuteness : shrewdness
c
Christian Science
: the basic eternal quality of divine Mind
2
a
: information, news
b
: information concerning an enemy or possible enemy or an area
also
: an agency engaged in obtaining such information
3
: the act of understanding : comprehension
4
: the ability to perform computer functions
5
a
: intelligent minds or mind
cosmic intelligence
b
: an intelligent entity
especially
: angel
Synonyms
Examples of intelligence in a Sentence
She impressed us with her superior intelligence.
a person of average intelligence
gathering intelligence about a neighboring country's activities
Recent Examples on the Web
Trump's selection of Gabbard has drawn scrutiny over her lack of a background in intelligence, along with her views on Russia, recently deposed Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad and other U.S. adversaries.
—
Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2025
This is an extraordinarily serious job that requires maintaining the independence of the intelligence community.
—Beatrice Peterson, ABC News, 11 Jan. 2025
Contributor Artificial intelligence has quickly moved from a buzzword in tech circles to a vital part of everyday life.
—Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 11 Jan. 2025
On briefings, has Trump asked for daily intelligence briefings?
—NPR, 10 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for intelligence 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2025
This is an extraordinarily serious job that requires maintaining the independence of the intelligence community.
—Beatrice Peterson, ABC News, 11 Jan. 2025
Contributor Artificial intelligence has quickly moved from a buzzword in tech circles to a vital part of everyday life.
—Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 11 Jan. 2025
On briefings, has Trump asked for daily intelligence briefings?
—NPR, 10 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for intelligence
Dictionary Entries Near intelligence
Cite this Entry
“Intelligence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intelligence. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
intelligence
noun
in·tel·li·gence
in-ˈtel-ə-jən(t)s
1
: the ability to learn and understand or to deal with problems : reason
2
a
b
: information concerning an enemy or possible enemy
also
: an agency engaged in obtaining such information
Medical Definition
intelligence
noun
in·tel·li·gence
in-ˈtel-ə-jən(t)s
1
a
: the ability to learn or understand or to deal with new or trying situations
b
: the ability to apply knowledge to manipulate one's environment or to think abstractly as measured by objective criteria (as tests)
2
: mental acuteness
intelligently
adverb
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share