intuition

noun

in·​tu·​i·​tion ˌin-tü-ˈi-shən How to pronounce intuition (audio)
-tyü-
Synonyms of intuition
1
a
: the power or faculty of attaining to direct knowledge or cognition without evident rational thought and inference
b
: immediate apprehension or cognition
c
: knowledge or conviction gained by intuition
2
: quick and ready insight
intuitional
ˌin-tü-ˈi-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce intuition (audio)
-tyü-
adjective

Examples of intuition in a Sentence

Intuition was telling her that something was very wrong. “How did you know I would drop by?” “Oh, I don't know. It must have been intuition.”
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.
Slow down and reconnect with intuition. — Usa Today, USA Today, 25 June 2026 These models brought rigor to a field that once relied heavily on intuition. — Ameya Kanitkar, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 Fanselow, the fear scientist, says there’s science behind that intuition. — Literary Hub, 30 June 2026 Buying today requires balancing data and intuition. — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for intuition

Word History

Etymology

Middle English intuycyon, from Late Latin intuition-, intuitio act of contemplating, from Latin intuēri to look at, contemplate, from in- + tuēri to look at

First Known Use

circa 1600, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of intuition was circa 1600

Rhymes for intuition

See All Rhymes for intuition

Browse Nearby Words

intuitable
intuition
intuitional
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

intuition

noun
in·​tu·​ition
ˌin-t(y)u̇-ˈish-ən
1
: the power of knowing immediately and without conscious reasoning
2
: something known or understood at once
intuitional
-ˈish-nəl, 
-ən-ᵊl
adjective

Medical Definition

intuition

noun
in·​tu·​ition ˌin-t(y)u̇-ˈish-ən How to pronounce intuition (audio)
1
: immediate apprehension or cognition without reasoning or inferring
2
: knowledge or conviction gained by intuition
3
: the power or faculty of gaining direct knowledge or cognition without evident rational thought and inference
intuit
in-ˈt(y)ü-ət How to pronounce intuition (audio)
transitive verb
intuitional
ˌin-t(y)u̇-ˈish-nəl, -ən-ᵊl How to pronounce intuition (audio)
adjective
intuitive
in-ˈt(y)ü-ət-iv How to pronounce intuition (audio)
adjective
intuitively adverb
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