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
Today, such a contest would be made all the more unpredictable given the complexity and ambiguity of measuring progress toward something so abstract as intelligence.
—
Henry A. Kissinger, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2024
The second episode illustrates the scope of the resources and intelligence operation required to identify and attempt to hunt him down.
—Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 16 Nov. 2024
Gabbard, a former House Democrat who became a high-profile Trump supporter, has been at odds with the U.S. intelligence community in the past.
—Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
On Sunday, a court revealed that police had arrested a top Netanyahu aide for allegedly leaking classified and faked intelligence to foreign media.
—Tara John, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024
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.
Henry A. Kissinger, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2024
The second episode illustrates the scope of the resources and intelligence operation required to identify and attempt to hunt him down.
—Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 16 Nov. 2024
Gabbard, a former House Democrat who became a high-profile Trump supporter, has been at odds with the U.S. intelligence community in the past.
—Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
On Sunday, a court revealed that police had arrested a top Netanyahu aide for allegedly leaking classified and faked intelligence to foreign media.
—Tara John, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024
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 26 Nov. 2024.
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