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
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
Within 3-6 years: Widespread artificial general intelligence (AGI) emerges, with machines rivaling our brightest minds across intellectual domains.
—
Arafat Kabir, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
Trump also hinted on Tuesday that Obama could be prosecuted after the latter’s administration reportedly ignored intelligence community assessments suggesting that Russia wasn’t directly meddling in the 2016 election.
—Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 23 July 2025
The rapid advance of artificial intelligence—and the possible emergence of artificial general intelligence—promises to present policymakers with even greater disruption.
—Matan Chorev, Foreign Affairs, 22 July 2025
House committees tasked with oversight and judiciary are expected to continue reviewing the declassified intelligence, with Republican leadership suggesting that subpoenas and further depositions could follow as more facts come to light.
—Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for intelligence
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Arafat Kabir, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
Trump also hinted on Tuesday that Obama could be prosecuted after the latter’s administration reportedly ignored intelligence community assessments suggesting that Russia wasn’t directly meddling in the 2016 election.
—Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 23 July 2025
The rapid advance of artificial intelligence—and the possible emergence of artificial general intelligence—promises to present policymakers with even greater disruption.
—Matan Chorev, Foreign Affairs, 22 July 2025
House committees tasked with oversight and judiciary are expected to continue reviewing the declassified intelligence, with Republican leadership suggesting that subpoenas and further depositions could follow as more facts come to light.
—Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for intelligence
Cite this Entry
“Intelligence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intelligence. Accessed 29 Jul. 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
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