intense

adjective

in·​tense in-ˈten(t)s How to pronounce intense (audio)
Synonyms of intense
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 of intense

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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
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.
In the 1990s — amid intense lobbying by station owners — Congress got involved, removed the 12-station limit, and raised the cap to 35%. — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026 Overtraining syndrome is a group of symptoms attributed to a long-term imbalance of intense training without enough recovery. — Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 6 Aug. 2026 Experts generally advise people not to look directly at the sun because its intense visible and invisible radiation can damage the retina, sometimes causing permanent vision loss. — Jean Lee, NBC news, 6 Aug. 2026 Rowland thanked past board members and employees for doing everything the system needed to do to get out from the intense federal monitoring. — ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intense

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin intensus, from past participle of intendere to stretch out

First Known Use

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

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

Phrases Containing intense

Rhymes for intense

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Browse Nearby Words

intensate
intense
intensification
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intense. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

intense

adjective
in·​tense in-ˈten(t)s How to pronounce intense (audio)
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 How to pronounce intense (audio)
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
c
: very large or considerable
intense radiation
2
a
: feeling deeply especially by nature or temperament
b
: deeply felt
intense emotions
intensely adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on intense

Nglish: Translation of intense for Spanish Speakers

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