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
And the flip side of drought—the product of excess evaporation levels during heat waves—can lead to intense rains and serious floods, as occurred in Tuscany and surrounding regions last spring.
—
Mark Schapiro, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Oct. 2024
Cons: Traffic and translation issues Nearly half of South Korea’s population lives in the Seoul metropolitan area, so traffic in the city is intense.
—Marylou Costa, Contributor, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2024
Chowdhury recommends 30 minutes of intense physical activity three times a week, but says even low-impact activities like a daily 30-minute stroll around the neighborhood can be beneficial.
—Jamie Friedlander Serrano, TIME, 21 Oct. 2024
But beneath these feelings lies a complex biological process: love activates powerful chemicals in your brain, fueling emotional peaks, bonding and an intense focus on the person of affection.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for intense 
Mark Schapiro, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Oct. 2024
Cons: Traffic and translation issues Nearly half of South Korea’s population lives in the Seoul metropolitan area, so traffic in the city is intense.
—Marylou Costa, Contributor, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2024
Chowdhury recommends 30 minutes of intense physical activity three times a week, but says even low-impact activities like a daily 30-minute stroll around the neighborhood can be beneficial.
—Jamie Friedlander Serrano, TIME, 21 Oct. 2024
But beneath these feelings lies a complex biological process: love activates powerful chemicals in your brain, fueling emotional peaks, bonding and an intense focus on the person of affection.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 21 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 30 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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