intellect
noun
in·tel·lect
ˈin-tə-ˌlekt 
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
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
At this level, leadership requires more than intellect or technical competence.
—
Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
The competition blends the intensity of a horror film with the pressure of a reality show survival game, confronting the contestants’ fears, skill and intellect in various scenarios.
—Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 6 Sep. 2025
Swift’s moment-by-moment choices play on both the listener’s ear and intellect.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2025
His daughter mirrored his parvenue of a wife, a woman beneath him not in station but rather in intellect, someone easily affected and prone to childlike ideas.
—Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intellect
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.
Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
The competition blends the intensity of a horror film with the pressure of a reality show survival game, confronting the contestants’ fears, skill and intellect in various scenarios.
—Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 6 Sep. 2025
Swift’s moment-by-moment choices play on both the listener’s ear and intellect.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2025
His daughter mirrored his parvenue of a wife, a woman beneath him not in station but rather in intellect, someone easily affected and prone to childlike ideas.
—Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intellect
Cite this Entry
“Intellect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intellect. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
intellect
noun
in·tel·lect
ˈint-ᵊl-ˌekt
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
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
intellectually
adverb
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share