dense

adjective

\ ˈden(t)s

denser; densest

Definition of dense

1a : marked by compactness or crowding together of parts dense vegetation dense traffic

b chemistry : having a high mass (see mass entry 2 sense 1c) per unit volume (see volume entry 1 sense 2) Carbon dioxide is a dense gas. The cake was overly sweet and dense.

2a : slow to understand : stupid, thickheaded was too dense to get the joke

b : extreme dense ignorance

3 mathematics : having between any two elements at least one element The set of rational numbers is dense.

4 : demanding concentration to follow or comprehend dense prose

5 : having high or relatively high opacity (see opacity sense 2) a dense fog a dense photographic negative

Other Words from dense Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about dense

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Choose the Right Synonym for dense

stupid, dull, dense, crass, dumb mean lacking in power to absorb ideas or impressions. stupid implies a slow-witted or dazed state of mind that may be either congenital or temporary. stupid students just keeping the seats warm stupid with drink dull suggests a slow or sluggish mind such as results from disease, depression, or shock. monotonous work that leaves the mind dull dense implies a thickheaded imperviousness to ideas. too dense to take a hint crass suggests a grossness of mind precluding discrimination or delicacy. a crass, materialistic people dumb applies to an exasperating obtuseness or lack of comprehension. too dumb to figure out what's going on

dense, thick, and compact mean having parts that are gathered tightly together. dense is used of something in which the parts are very close together. They lost their way in the dense forest. thick is used of something that has many small parts that form a single mass. He has a thick head of hair. compact is used of something that has a close and firm gathering of parts, especially within a small area. The laptop has a compact design.

Examples of dense in a Sentence

They cut a path through the dense jungle. a dense tangle of wires a dense cluster of stars That part of the city has a dense population of immigrants. A dense mass of spectators filled the courtroom. In the movie, she plays his kind but somewhat dense aunt.

Recent Examples on the Web

Vane said, pointing at a stand so dense a hiker would have a hard time passing. — Scott Wilson, Washington Post, "Wet California winter is a boon for skiers and water supply. But it brings a threat: wildfires.," 17 June 2019 Vane said, pointing at a stand so dense a hiker would have a hard time passing. — The Washington Post, The Mercury News, "Wet California winter is a boon for skiers and water supply. But it brings a threat: wildfires.," 17 June 2019 The plan for Yerba Buena Island — previously called Goat Island and Sea Bird Island — is distinct from the dense urban neighborhood planned for Treasure Island, developer Chris Meany said. — J.k. Dineen, SFChronicle.com, "Development on SF’s Yerba Buena Island an early step in Treasure Island project," 12 June 2019 At some points crowds were so dense, people were unable to exit subway stations, and those who were above ground were at a standstill. — Tripti Lahiri, Quartz, "Photos: Hong Kong has got its protest mojo back," 9 June 2019 These books are so dense, and there's so much to it. — Outlander Fan, Marie Claire, "How Outlander Season 4 Is Different From Outlander, Book 4, 'Drums Of Autumn'," 29 Jan. 2019 Unlike the west-side approach, which tracks north mostly over water — except for Vashon Island — planes on the east side fly over dense residential neighborhoods from Kent north to Redmond. — Dominic Gates, The Seattle Times, "As Sea-Tac Airport traffic booms, distant neighborhoods are noisy despite FAA plan," 25 Oct. 2018 In Playa Vista, a dense neighborhood of new-urbanist condominiums has popped up on land once owned by the eccentric aerospace innovator Howard Hughes. — Geoff Manaugh, The Atlantic, "Los Angeles, America’s Future Spaceport," 17 May 2018 Its graceful white oaks create a rare, canopied oasis in a dense row-house neighborhood abutted by heavy industry and assaulted by the highway’s 24/7 roar. — Ronnie Polaneczky, Philly.com, "Port Richmond parents might move their little girl's grave because of dog walkers| Ronnie Polanecky," 30 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dense.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.