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
Good American Family is about Natalia Grace, a child adopted by Kristine and Michael Barnett who already have three children of their own, one of whom has autism and a genius-level intellect.
—
Randall Colburn, EW.com, 20 Mar. 2025
The main theme is not just about the religious persecution of the truth, but rather the conflict between the church and the pursuit of knowledge and humanity’s intellect.
—Rafael Motamayor, IndieWire, 15 Mar. 2025
This exclusion is often due to unfounded beliefs about capacity, intellect and merit, and the false premise that disability inclusion requires lowering standards.
—Lauren Shallish, The Conversation, 24 Feb. 2025
Moretti's aware of Ariel's intellect and always wants to be one step ahead of her, making for an enthralling game of cat and mouse.
—Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 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.
Randall Colburn, EW.com, 20 Mar. 2025
The main theme is not just about the religious persecution of the truth, but rather the conflict between the church and the pursuit of knowledge and humanity’s intellect.
—Rafael Motamayor, IndieWire, 15 Mar. 2025
This exclusion is often due to unfounded beliefs about capacity, intellect and merit, and the false premise that disability inclusion requires lowering standards.
—Lauren Shallish, The Conversation, 24 Feb. 2025
Moretti's aware of Ariel's intellect and always wants to be one step ahead of her, making for an enthralling game of cat and mouse.
—Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 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 4 Apr. 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