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
Affinity's Co-Founder, Ray Zhou, wants to bring relationship intelligence to the world because every opportunity begins with a relationship.
—
Ray Zhou, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
Recap Ratcliffe also pledged repeatedly at his nomination hearing to focus more on the rising threat posed by China and to upgrade the agency’s technological capabilities to improve its intelligence collection efforts.
—Josh Meyer, USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2025
The director of national intelligence in theory sits atop the hierarchy of U.S. intelligence agencies, although no one treats the position that way in reality.
—The Editors, National Review, 24 Jan. 2025
In an effort to intercept and hamper these missions, the Nazis occupied Svalbard and set up intelligence stations that could gather weather data to help aid in attacks on Allied ships.
—James Patton Rogers & Caroline Kennedy Pipe / Made By History , TIME, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for intelligence 
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Ray Zhou, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
Recap Ratcliffe also pledged repeatedly at his nomination hearing to focus more on the rising threat posed by China and to upgrade the agency’s technological capabilities to improve its intelligence collection efforts.
—Josh Meyer, USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2025
The director of national intelligence in theory sits atop the hierarchy of U.S. intelligence agencies, although no one treats the position that way in reality.
—The Editors, National Review, 24 Jan. 2025
In an effort to intercept and hamper these missions, the Nazis occupied Svalbard and set up intelligence stations that could gather weather data to help aid in attacks on Allied ships.
—James Patton Rogers & Caroline Kennedy Pipe / Made By History , TIME, 23 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 27 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
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