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
The records show interactions with individuals across politics, academia, finance and media, including intellect Noam Chomsky, former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, venture capitalist and political activist Peter Thiel, magician David Blaine, and author Michael Wolff.
—
Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 2025
There is one major difference that separates us from chimpanzees and other animals—the explosive development of our intellect.
—Jane Goodall, Time, 12 Nov. 2025
Despite his brilliance and intellect, he was prevented from having a full life by being born on the wrong side of Israel’s separation fence.
—Literary Hub, 10 Nov. 2025
His intellect is evident when reviewing his rigorous course load, outstanding ACT scores, and his pursuit of the AP Capstone Diploma.
—Katie Nixon, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intellect
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Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 2025
There is one major difference that separates us from chimpanzees and other animals—the explosive development of our intellect.
—Jane Goodall, Time, 12 Nov. 2025
Despite his brilliance and intellect, he was prevented from having a full life by being born on the wrong side of Israel’s separation fence.
—Literary Hub, 10 Nov. 2025
His intellect is evident when reviewing his rigorous course load, outstanding ACT scores, and his pursuit of the AP Capstone Diploma.
—Katie Nixon, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Nov. 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 22 Nov. 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
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