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

• acute
• almighty
• blistering
• deep
• dreadful
• excruciating
• explosive
• exquisite
• fearful
• fearsome
• ferocious
• fierce
• frightful
• furious
• ghastly
• hard
• heavy
• heavy-duty
• hellacious
• intensive
• keen
• profound
• terrible
• vehement
• vicious
• violent

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

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

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

Phrases Containing intense

• hyper-intense

Kids 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

c

: very large or considerable

intense radiation

2

a

: feeling deeply especially by nature or temperament

b

: deeply felt

intense emotions

intensely adverb