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
While there is still uncertainty about the full scope of climate change’s impact on hurricane frequency, the evidence is clear that storms are becoming more intense and destructive.
—
Monica Sanders, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024
Earth is currently approaching the peak of Solar Cycle 25, in which more sunspots with intense magnetic activity are expected.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2024
Drinking pomegranate juice may help decrease oxidative damage caused by physical stress (like exercise) and promote antioxidant defenses after intense physical activity, thus promoting muscle recovery.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 9 Oct. 2024
Wednesday marks the start of five days of intense political activity, with both presidential candidates and their vice presidential candidates making stops.
—Stephanie Murray, The Arizona Republic, 9 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for intense 
Monica Sanders, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024
Earth is currently approaching the peak of Solar Cycle 25, in which more sunspots with intense magnetic activity are expected.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2024
Drinking pomegranate juice may help decrease oxidative damage caused by physical stress (like exercise) and promote antioxidant defenses after intense physical activity, thus promoting muscle recovery.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 9 Oct. 2024
Wednesday marks the start of five days of intense political activity, with both presidential candidates and their vice presidential candidates making stops.
—Stephanie Murray, The Arizona Republic, 9 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for intense
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'intense.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near intense
Cite this Entry
“Intense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intense. Accessed 19 Oct. 2024.
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
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