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
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
We’re used to seeing Survivor players doubling over or collapsing after an exhausting challenge in intense heat.
—
Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Oct. 2025
That's a pretty intense, complex, emotional thing for [Clay] to put together.
—Anna Myers, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
Their return capped a week of intense negotiations by Seoul to win their release and bring them home after they were taken into custody in handcuffs and shackles.
—Bart Jansen, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025
During periods of intense rainfall, the risk of flooding increases, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intense
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Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Oct. 2025
That's a pretty intense, complex, emotional thing for [Clay] to put together.
—Anna Myers, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
Their return capped a week of intense negotiations by Seoul to win their release and bring them home after they were taken into custody in handcuffs and shackles.
—Bart Jansen, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025
During periods of intense rainfall, the risk of flooding increases, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intense
Cite this Entry
“Intense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intense. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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
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