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.
Ricky Steamboat From Clash Of The Champions 6 The intense rivalry between Ricky Steamboat and Flair produced some of the most celebrated matches in professional wrestling history. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025 The process has ignited intense public pushback from Luna to not only leadership, but her one-time allies in the Freedom Caucus. Emily Brooks, The Hill, 1 Apr. 2025 In recent decades, luxury has evolved from a surface transactional experience to one focused on longevity, wellness and intense experiences. R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025 Directed by Shinji Higuchi—known for blending stunning visuals with gripping human drama in works like Shin Godzilla—this panic-suspense thriller follows the intense struggles of those racing to save lives under extreme conditions. Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 1 Apr. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intense. Accessed 9 Apr. 2025.

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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