intuition

noun

in·​tu·​i·​tion ˌin-tü-ˈi-shən How to pronounce intuition (audio)
-tyü-
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 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.
Customer-facing interactions require human intuition to navigate sensitive moments where empathy, sensitivity and emotional intellect truly matter. Joel Frenette, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025 The sun enters Cancer, heightening both our intuition and our feelings. Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 18 June 2025 Its significance in baboons resonates with our intuitions about the value of paternal care in our own species. Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 18 June 2025 Research indicates that most individuals overestimate their effectiveness and tend to rely on intuition, particularly in the management of chronic diseases. Robert Pearl, Twin Cities, 14 June 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intuition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intuition. Accessed 22 Jun. 2025.

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 transitive verb
intuitional adjective
intuitive adjective
intuitively adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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