intense
adjective
in·tense
in-ˈten(t)s 
1
a
: existing in an extreme degree
The excitement was intense.
intense pain
b
: having or showing a characteristic in extreme degree
intense colors
2
: marked by or expressive of great zeal, energy, determination, or concentration
intense effort
3
a
: exhibiting strong feeling or earnestness of purpose
an intense student
b
: deeply felt
intensely
adverb
intenseness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of intense in a Sentence
He shielded his eyes from the intense flash of light.
She has an intense dislike for her husband's friend.
After many years of intense study, he received his medical degree.
School reform is a subject of intense debate.
The work requires intense concentration.
He was an intense young man who was very determined to do well in school.
Recent Examples on the Web
In 2021, a storm killed over 240 people and left millions of residents without power sparking intense backlash for ERCOT.
—
Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
Flames were pushed by intense wind gusts that officials had warned could fuel any spark into a fast-moving and erratic wildfire.
—Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2025
These examples illustrate the challenges automakers faced in the evolving EV market, including technological limitations, high production costs, and intense competition.
—Josh Max, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
Over the past 250 years, the Industrial Revolution caused economies, populations, and militaries to double or more in size within a generation, sparking intense competition for resources and territory.
—Michael Beckley, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for intense 
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.
Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
Flames were pushed by intense wind gusts that officials had warned could fuel any spark into a fast-moving and erratic wildfire.
—Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2025
These examples illustrate the challenges automakers faced in the evolving EV market, including technological limitations, high production costs, and intense competition.
—Josh Max, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
Over the past 250 years, the Industrial Revolution caused economies, populations, and militaries to double or more in size within a generation, sparking intense competition for resources and territory.
—Michael Beckley, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for intense
Dictionary Entries Near intense
Cite this Entry
“Intense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intense. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
intense
adjective
in·tense
in-ˈten(t)s
1
: existing in an extreme degree
intense pain
2
: done or performed with great zeal, energy, or eagerness
intense study
3
: feeling deeply
an intense actor
intensely
adverb
intenseness
noun
Medical Definition
intense
adjective
in·tense
in-ˈten(t)s
1
a
: existing in an extreme degree
intense anxiety
b
: extremely marked or pronounced
a neurodermatitis with intense itching and burning of the skin—H. G. Armstrong
H. G. Armstrong
c
: very large or considerable
intense radiation
2
a
: feeling deeply especially by nature or temperament
b
: deeply felt
intense emotions
intensely
adverb
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share