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

Before the transplant, Sullivan underwent high-intensity chemotherapy designed to wipe out the cancer completely. —Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026

Remembering Kyle Busch’s ‘intensity’ around every lap Dillon praised Busch as a competitor in the Truck and Cup Series. —Chase Jordan may 22, Charlotte Observer, 22 May 2026

But the intensity of the reaction highlights something broader. —Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026

This is, of course, the complete opposite of what the UV Index was intended for, which was to help people understand the intensity of UV rays in order to make safer decisions about their sun exposure, not to maximize tanning potential. —Kara Nesvig, Allure, 22 May 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