intelligence crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're searching for answers to the "intelligence crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of solutions, along with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "intelligence crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
WIT: Quick and incisive intelligence, often associated with clever humor.
4 Letters
MIND: The faculty of consciousness and thought; frequently a direct synonym for intellect or intelligence.
5 Letters
BRAIN: The organ of thought, often used colloquially to refer to intellectual capacity or intelligence itself.
6 Letters
REASON: The power of the mind to think, understand, and form judgments logically, central to intelligence.
ACUMEN: The ability to make good judgments and quick decisions, especially in a particular domain.
8 Letters
SAPIENCE: Great wisdom or intelligence, often implying deep understanding and knowledge.
9 Letters
INTELLECT: The faculty of reasoning and understanding objectively, often considered a higher form of intelligence.
More About "intelligence crossword clue"
The term "intelligence" in crosswords can be a versatile and sometimes tricky clue. It commonly refers to cognitive abilities, such as the capacity to learn, understand, and apply knowledge. This broad meaning allows setters to use a wide range of synonyms, from simple terms like MIND or BRAIN to more nuanced words like ACUMEN or SAPIENCE.
However, "intelligence" can also refer to gathered information, especially that which is secret or obtained through espionage (e.g., 'military intelligence'). This dual meaning is a classic trick setters employ to misdirect solvers. Always consider the context of the clue and other crossing letters to determine if it refers to mental capacity or covert information.
Another common usage involves abbreviations related to intelligence quotient (IQ) or specific intelligence agencies (like CIA, MI6). Being aware of these different interpretations will significantly improve your chances of solving such clues, even when they seem deceptively simple.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Brainstorm Synonyms and Antonyms: For a clue like "intelligence," list as many direct synonyms as possible (mind, wit, reason, intellect). Also, consider antonyms if the clue hints at an opposite meaning (e.g., "lack of intelligence" might lead to words like STUPIDITY).
- Consider Multiple Meanings: As discussed, "intelligence" has at least two primary meanings in English: cognitive ability and secret information. Always pause to think which meaning the setter might be hinting at.
- Check Letter Count and Crossing Letters: This is fundamental. If you have a potential answer, but the letter count doesn't match, it's incorrect. Use crossing letters from solved clues to narrow down possibilities.
- Look for Abbreviations or Acronyms: Sometimes, intelligence-related clues can be satisfied by common abbreviations like IQ, or even acronyms for intelligence agencies.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for 'intelligence' in crosswords?
Common synonyms for 'intelligence' in crosswords often include WIT, MIND, BRAIN, REASON, ACUMEN, GENIUS, and INTELLECT. Sometimes, more abstract terms like SAPIENCE or WISDOM might also be used, or even abbreviations like IQ.
How do crossword setters make 'intelligence' clues tricky?
Setters might use 'intelligence' to refer to a secret agency (like 'CIA' or 'MI6'), or as a verb ('to gather intelligence'). They might also use less common synonyms, or embed it in an anagram or cryptic clue that requires deeper thought beyond simple synonyms. Always consider multiple meanings of the word.
What's the difference between 'intelligence' and 'intellect' in crosswords?
While often used interchangeably, 'intelligence' generally refers to the capacity for logical thought, understanding, and learning. 'Intellect' often refers to the faculty of reasoning and understanding, especially in an abstract or academic sense. In crosswords, they are very often direct synonyms, but context can sometimes hint at which is more appropriate.