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

• 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

Coach Matt Rhule’s third team adopted a more mature approach, evidenced against Akron as Nebraska plowed through an opportunity to lose its intensity while playing with a big lead in the second half. —Mitch Sherman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025

The goal is to allow the fire to meet the holding features at the lowest possible fire intensity. —Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 Sep. 2025

This acquisition highlights the intensity of competition in the AI data sector—and the recognition that whoever controls access to high-quality datasets will control the future of AI itself. —Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025

Festival audiences responded with emotional intensity, including visible tears and audible gasps during the screening. —Clayton Davis, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025

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