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
The Korean school system is so intense, even from a young age.
—
Dodie Kazanjian, Vogue, 20 Apr. 2024
The vote comes after intense pressure on Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana), who faces threats of being removed from his post by a contingent of MAGA Republicans.
—Jeremy Childs, Rolling Stone, 20 Apr. 2024
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This suction vibrator has a long mouth that fits around the head of the clit and stimulates it with sonic airwaves that dial up from gentle to rumbly and intense (without actually touching you).
—Amanda Chatel, Glamour, 19 Apr. 2024
The thing everyone on the crew has in common is an intense work ethic and a commitment to the job.
—Jacob Spetzler, The Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2024
Those intense emotions are something the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention wants to understand better.
—Martin Kaste, NPR, 18 Apr. 2024
On the show, his feuds with John Adams (Eddie Marsan), who also came to Paris on a diplomatic mission, are intense.
—Roger Cohen, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2024
Munn then suffered from an intense year of postpartum anxiety, followed by her breast cancer diagnosis.
—Andrea Mandell, Peoplemag, 18 Apr. 2024
In this intense tale from provocateur Joel Potrykus, two friends embark on a disturbing mission in the Michigan woods.
—Jack Dunn, Variety, 17 Apr. 2024
Dodie Kazanjian, Vogue, 20 Apr. 2024
The vote comes after intense pressure on Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana), who faces threats of being removed from his post by a contingent of MAGA Republicans.
—Jeremy Childs, Rolling Stone, 20 Apr. 2024
Meet our experts 1/22 Best Vibrator Overall: Lelo Sona 2 Cruise
$149 $119
Lelo
This suction vibrator has a long mouth that fits around the head of the clit and stimulates it with sonic airwaves that dial up from gentle to rumbly and intense (without actually touching you).
—Amanda Chatel, Glamour, 19 Apr. 2024
The thing everyone on the crew has in common is an intense work ethic and a commitment to the job.
—Jacob Spetzler, The Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2024
Those intense emotions are something the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention wants to understand better.
—Martin Kaste, NPR, 18 Apr. 2024
On the show, his feuds with John Adams (Eddie Marsan), who also came to Paris on a diplomatic mission, are intense.
—Roger Cohen, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2024
Munn then suffered from an intense year of postpartum anxiety, followed by her breast cancer diagnosis.
—Andrea Mandell, Peoplemag, 18 Apr. 2024
In this intense tale from provocateur Joel Potrykus, two friends embark on a disturbing mission in the Michigan woods.
—Jack Dunn, Variety, 17 Apr. 2024
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 24 Apr. 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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