intel
6 synonyms for intel, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Informal word for intelligence — secret or useful information gathered about a situation.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
lowdown
tip-off
How to use intel
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
gather intel
good intel
intel on
Informal; common in military, business, and gaming contexts, but not used in formal writing.
Etymology
A shortened form of "intelligence."
Full origin of intel →Frequently asked questions
What does “intel” mean?
The word “intel” means informal word for intelligence — secret or useful information gathered about a situation. In plain terms, casual shorthand for gathered information, especially secret or strategic info.
How do you pronounce “intel”?
“Intel” is pronounced IHN-tehl (/ˈɪnt.ɛl/ in IPA).
How do you use “intel” in a sentence?
Here is “intel” used in a sentence: “We got some solid intel on the competitor's launch plans.”
What part of speech is “intel”?
“Intel” is a noun.
Is “intel” a common word?
“Intel” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between intel and intelligence?
Intel is an informal clipping of intelligence in its "gathered information" sense — secret or useful information collected about a situation. You can gather intel on a rival's plans, but you cannot use intel to mean mental ability; only intelligence covers that meaning.
Is intel appropriate in formal writing?
Intel is informal, so it suits conversation, fiction, casual journalism, and military or gaming slang. In formal reports and academic writing, intelligence or information is the safer choice.
Is intel countable or uncountable?
Intel is uncountable: you gather some intel, good intel, or a piece of intel, never "an intel" or "intels." This mirrors intelligence, which is also uncountable in the information sense.
When should intel be capitalized?
Written lowercase, intel is the informal word for gathered information. With a capital letter, Intel is the trademark of a well-known technology company, so capitalization genuinely changes the meaning.
