intensity

noun

in·​ten·​si·​ty in-ˈten(t)-sə-tē 

plural intensities

1

: the quality or state of being intense

especially : extreme degree of strength, force, energy, or feeling

2

: the magnitude of a quantity (such as force or energy) per unit (as of area, charge, mass, or time)

3

: saturation sense 4a

Synonyms of intensity

• enthusiasm
• emotion
• intenseness
• warmth
• passionateness
• passion
• violence

Examples of intensity in a Sentence

the intensity of the sun's rays

the intensity of the argument

The sun shone with great intensity.

Recent Examples on the Web

Their intensity and compression of timescale require curatorial decisions to be shaped by different tempos of attention. —Manuela Moscoso, Artforum, 2 Apr. 2026

So if necessary, Hall recommends scaling back the duration and intensity of your workouts to help prevent overfatigue. —Jenny McCoy, SELF, 1 Apr. 2026

Generally, though, the intensity of the justices’ questions dropped off during her presentation, often a signal of where the court will come out. —Mark Sherman, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026

Moderate movement reduces cortisol, but high-intensity overtraining raises it further. —Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 1 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing intensity

• high-intensity interval training
• hyper-intensity

Rhymes for intensity

• immensity
• propensity
• density

Kids Definition

intensity

noun

in·​ten·​si·​ty in-ˈten(t)-sət-ē 

plural intensities

1

: the quality or state of being intense

especially : extreme strength, force, or feeling

2

: the degree or amount of a quality or condition

the intensity of an electric field

Medical Definition

intensity

noun

in·​ten·​si·​ty in-ˈten(t)-sət-ē 

plural intensities

1

: the quality or state of being intense

especially : extreme degree of strength, force, energy, or feeling

2

: the magnitude of a quantity (as force or energy) per unit (as of surface, charge, mass, or time)

3

: saturation sense 4a