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 Earlier on, the battles were intense but somehow theoretical. Peter Debruge, Variety, 15 Mar. 2024 On top of that, calluses are much less intense and, in some cases, even dissolved. Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 14 Mar. 2024 Experiencing them can lead to severe interruptions in one's work and home life and cause intense personal discomfort and distress. Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2024 Line 5 has become a household name in the Great Lakes region, creating intense concern over its potential risk to water quality and its infringement on tribal rights. Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 14 Mar. 2024 Under intense pressure to reform following COVID, the NCAA changed policy and allowed first-time transfers to be eligible immediately at their new schools. Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 14 Mar. 2024 In the middle of an intense fight scene, a character makes sure to remove his shoes, a common Asian practice when entering a home. Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2024 The escalation in violence, accompanied by intense automatic gunfire across Port-au-Prince, is raising concerns that the government is losing control of the country. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2024 Then try placing it on the clitoral hood to cushion the intense vibrations, or try placing it on other parts of your vulva like along your inner labia. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 3 Mar. 2024

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.

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 19 Mar. 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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