intellect

noun

in·​tel·​lect ˈin-tə-ˌlekt How to pronounce intellect (audio)
Synonyms of intellect
1
a
: the power of knowing as distinguished from the power to feel and to will : the capacity for knowledge
b
: the capacity for rational or intelligent thought especially when highly developed
2
: a person with great intellectual powers

Synonyms of intellect

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Examples of intellect in a Sentence

She is a woman of superior intellect. She has a sharp intellect. We were required to read a book every week in order to develop our intellects. music that appeals to the intellect while still satisfying the emotions
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
His ebullience, keen intellect and warmth jump off the pages. — John Blake, CNN Money, 5 July 2026 But he’s also never been daunted by her intellect or her artistry. — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 6 July 2026 Odysseus is a warrior with wit and intellect, a con man and fabulist who constantly reinvents himself. — David Denby, New Yorker, 21 June 2026 But to imply that the presence of racists in works of fiction makes those works of fiction racist is to short-circuit the intellect and the imagination at one fell swoop. — Spin Team, SPIN, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for intellect

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin intellectus, from intellegere to understand — more at intelligent

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of intellect was in the 14th century

Rhymes for intellect

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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Intellect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intellect. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

intellect

noun
in·​tel·​lect ˈint-ᵊl-ˌekt How to pronounce intellect (audio)
1
a
: the power of knowing
b
: the capacity for thought especially when highly developed
2
: a person of notable intellect

Medical Definition

intellect

noun
in·​tel·​lect ˈint-ᵊl-ˌekt How to pronounce intellect (audio)
1
: the power of knowing as distinguished from the power to feel and to will : the capacity for knowledge
2
: the capacity for rational or intelligent thought
intellectual
ˌint-ᵊl-ˈek-ch(ə-w)əl, -ˈeksh-wəl How to pronounce intellect (audio)
adjective
intellectually adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on intellect

Nglish: Translation of intellect for Spanish Speakers

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