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
Is data like this beyond the grasp of a sophisticated foreign intelligence agency?
—
Larry Seltzer, SPIN, 25 Apr. 2024
The following month, Trump reportedly shared highly-sensitive intelligence about ISIS with Russian officials visiting the White House.
—Katherine Faulders, ABC News, 24 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for intelligence 
Larry Seltzer, SPIN, 25 Apr. 2024
The following month, Trump reportedly shared highly-sensitive intelligence about ISIS with Russian officials visiting the White House.
—Katherine Faulders, ABC News, 24 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for intelligence
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'intelligence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near intelligence
Cite this Entry
“Intelligence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intelligence. Accessed 3 May. 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
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