intense

adjective

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

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.
Media coverage of Walker’s messy private life has been intense. Oliver Kay, The Athletic, 20 Dec. 2024 Debate is now intense both within the government and in the public sphere about whether the country should escalate work on its controversial nuclear program. Robin Wright, The New Yorker, 19 Dec. 2024 The sun at this altitude can be surprisingly intense, so dress in layers to stay comfortable. AFAR Media, 19 Dec. 2024 Nowhere is this more acutely felt than in Island nations which now face more intense climate threats: the Maldives, for instance, faces the grim reality of losing 80% of its land by 2050 if current trends persist. Marianne Lehnis, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near intense

Cite this Entry

“Intense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intense. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

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 skinH. 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

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