intelligible

1 of 2

adjective

in·​tel·​li·​gi·​ble in-ˈte-lə-jə-bəl How to pronounce intelligible (audio)
Synonyms of intelligible
1
: capable of being understood or comprehended
jargon intelligible only to the initiated
2
: apprehensible by the intellect only
intelligibility
in-ˌte-lə-jə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce intelligible (audio)
noun
intelligibleness
in-ˈte-lə-jə-bəl-nəs How to pronounce intelligible (audio)
noun
intelligibly
in-ˈte-lə-jə-blē How to pronounce intelligible (audio)
adverb

intelligibility

2 of 2

noun

in·​tel·​li·​gi·​bil·​i·​ty
-lətē, 
-i
plural -es
1
: the quality or state of being intelligible : clarity, understandability
the immediate intelligibility of the prose—Richard Eberhart
2
: something that is intelligible

Synonyms of intelligible

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Adjective

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Examples of intelligible in a Sentence

Adjective the ability to make complex concepts intelligible to the average reader Very little of the recording was intelligible.
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.
Adjective
The dulcet tones of that thick Irish accent are perfectly intelligible over the phone, THR puts to him. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026 Even Karp’s more intelligible arguments are quickly trampled over as additional intrusive thoughts took the wheel. — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 1 July 2026 Tears, a visual representation of something internal, transform the scenario into a far more intelligible meme, or drama, or myth. — Literary Hub, 11 May 2026 With jackzebra’s seemingly gibberish flows and Bloodz Boi’s slightly more intelligible hooks, however, cutspace has finally found a duo that can hold their own on his beats. — James Gui, Pitchfork, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intelligible

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Latin intelligibilis, from intelligere

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

1610, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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

Rhymes for intelligible

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Browse Nearby Words

intelligibility
intelligible
intelligible species
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Cite this Entry

“Intelligible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intelligible. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on intelligible

Nglish: Translation of intelligible for Spanish Speakers

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