intelligence

noun

in-ˈte-lə-jən(t)s How to pronounce intelligence (audio)
Definition of intelligencenext
1
as in intellect
the ability to learn and understand or to deal with problems high scores on this test supposedly demonstrate great intelligence

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in information
a report of recent events or facts not previously known usually received the latest intelligence about how the war was going

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in wit
exceptional discernment and judgment especially in practical matters as head of the customer service department, he has handled complaints and disputes with unfailing intelligence and good humor

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of intelligence Chinese consumer brands that went public over the past year or so initially drew strong investor interest until a string of artificial-intelligence companies made their debuts, stealing their thunder and minting new billionaires. — Dave Sebastian, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026 In June, the Five Eyes intelligence alliance warned that artificial intelligence was fundamentally transforming offensive and defensive cyber capabilities and described the timeline not in years, but months. — Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 According to Rawlinson, the Chicago Sky is the first WNBA franchise to partner with American University's PERIL, the Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab; and with the threat intelligence company Moonshot. — Odette Yousef, NPR, 29 Aug. 2026 The harder problem is locating and tracking moving targets with sufficient precision, why is why better intelligence, including potentially from partners such as Russia or China, could become an important variable. — Hamidreza Azizi, Time, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intelligence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intelligence
  1. intellect
  2. information
  3. wit
  4. sense
  5. info
  6. insight
  7. wisdom
  8. acumen
Noun
  • As its sign of rulership, this Earth sign gives the messenger planet a grounding outlet for its intellect and curiosity.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Here was a juicy alleged scandal involving two big names, a public intellectual and an actor publicly known for her intellect.
    — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of intellect
Noun
  • The National Park Service is asking for information about anyone who may have been hiking or backpacking along Bright Angel Creek in Arizona, as well as campers with plans to stay at Phantom Ranch or the Bright Angel Campground.
    — Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Anyone with information about the stabbing is asked to contact the Fort Worth Police Department at 817-392-4330.
    — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of information
Noun
  • The musician, actress, and songwriter was known for her quick wit, warm personality, and enduring singular image.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Simmons will get a chance to match offensive wits with the QB that took over his role.
    — PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of wit
Noun
  • In its evaluation, the committee cited the film’s polished craftsmanship and the clarity of its directorial vision, pointing to the tone and mise-en-scène that sustain a sense of pressure throughout the story.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026
  • To channel this sense of joyful minimalism, pair a bold color with playful accents, rich textures, and meaningful décor that brings personality to the space without overwhelming it.
    — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of sense
Noun
  • Once at the station, the Plug & Charge feature of the Volkswagen app starts the charging immediately and automatically once the cable is connected, no need to enter any additional info.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
  • When asked to comment, the company reiterated the info from the SEC filing.
    — Tobias Burns, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of info
Noun
  • Long before mindfulness became a defining element of luxury hospitality, Miraval Arizona was there with insights and solutions.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Visiting people in their communities and gaining firsthand insight into Norway’s diverse realities became a fundamental part of their work.
    — Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of insight
Noun
  • From a team perspective, the general wisdom is to sign building-block players for as long as possible.
    — Max Bultman, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Jim Ross will also share his fishing wisdom and give away a half-day fishing experience on the Indian River valued at $400 during each seminar.
    — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of wisdom
Noun
  • Cignetti has tapped into a distinctly Hoosier brand of team pride, which proves that his acumen is just as strong off the football field as on it.
    — Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 28 Jan. 2026
  • The guys up at Auburn rave about his intelligence, his football acumen and his work ethic.
    — Creg Stephenson | [email protected], al, 20 Jan. 2023
Definition of acumen

Browse Nearby Words

intellectuals
intelligence
intelligencer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intelligence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intelligence. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on intelligence

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about intelligence

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
skateboard-dog-hat
Wordmaxxing Slang Quiz Give your vocabulary a glow up by getting sendy w...
See All