dense

adjective

ˈden(t)s How to pronounce dense (audio)
denser; densest
Synonyms of densenext
1
a
: marked by compactness or crowding together of parts
dense vegetation
dense traffic
b
chemistry : having a high mass (see mass entry 2 sense 1c) per unit volume (see volume entry 1 sense 2)
Carbon dioxide is a dense gas.
The cake was overly sweet and dense.
2
a
: slow to understand : stupid, thickheaded
was too dense to get the joke
b
: extreme
dense ignorance
3
mathematics : having between any two elements at least one element
The set of rational numbers is dense.
4
: demanding concentration to follow or comprehend
dense prose
5
: having high or relatively high opacity (see opacity sense 2)
a dense fog
a dense photographic negative
densely adverb
denseness
ˈden(t)-snəs How to pronounce dense (audio)
noun

Synonyms

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stupid, dull, dense, crass, dumb mean lacking in power to absorb ideas or impressions.

stupid implies a slow-witted or dazed state of mind that may be either congenital or temporary.

stupid students just keeping the seats warm
stupid with drink

dull suggests a slow or sluggish mind such as results from disease, depression, or shock.

monotonous work that leaves the mind dull

dense implies a thickheaded imperviousness to ideas.

too dense to take a hint

crass suggests a grossness of mind precluding discrimination or delicacy.

a crass, materialistic people

dumb applies to an exasperating obtuseness or lack of comprehension.

too dumb to figure out what's going on

Examples of dense in a Sentence

They cut a path through the dense jungle. a dense tangle of wires a dense cluster of stars That part of the city has a dense population of immigrants.
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.
Its key appeal comes from its historic center, a dense, buzzy neighborhood that’s full of cafés, restaurants, boutiques, churches, supermarkets, businesses, hotels, homes, and more. — Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 Head to Mill Creek Lake to kayak or fish for bass, bluegill, crappie, and trout in a sunny spot that’s surrounded by imposing cliffs and a dense forest. — Casey Barber, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2025 For example, a 2022 survey of COVID-ventilation measures in U.S. public-school districts found that only about a quarter of them used or planned to use HEPA filters, which have a dense mesh for trapping particles, for indoor air. — Roxanne Khamsi, The Atlantic, 11 Mar. 2025 Viewers will witness history as the first-ever double amputee survivor, Mandy Horvath, takes on the brutal wilderness of Belize's dense and unforgiving jungles — a challenge that goes beyond the wild, serving as a testament to sheer willpower, determination and resilience. — Valerie Mesa, People.com, 8 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dense

Word History

Etymology

Latin densus; akin to Greek dasys thick with hair or leaves

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of dense was in the 15th century

Rhymes for dense

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Browse Nearby Words

dense
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Cite this Entry

“Dense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dense. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

dense

adjective
ˈden(t)s How to pronounce dense (audio)
denser; densest
1
a
: marked by closeness or crowding together of parts
a dense forest
b
: having a high mass per unit volume
lead is a very dense metal
2
: slow to understand : stupid sense 1a
3
: thick entry 1 sense 4
dense fog
4
: having between any two mathematical elements at least one element
the set of rational numbers is dense
densely adverb
denseness noun

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