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

Keep scrolling for more

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

Length: 70 miles | Region: Midwest This byway traces the southern shoreline of Lake Superior, with various parts of the route winding through dense forests, quiet beaches, and the majestic lake itself. — Juliet Izon, Woman's Day, "The 12 Most Scenic Drives in the Country to Add to Your Bucket List ASAP," 4 Dec. 2018 Their sensitive motion detectors have enabled scientific surveys of rare or shy animals in dense forest and as a consequence have seen broader use around the world. — Rogelio Luque-lora, Bill Adams, Ars Technica, "Camera traps designed for animals are now invading human privacy," 24 Nov. 2018 There’s a pretty easy 2.5 mile loop trail that that takes you through big sharp rocky peaks, dense forest, walls of azalea and mountain laurel, and over a high-elevation, crystal clear stream. — Christian Allaire, Vogue, "An Insider’s Guide to Asheville, the Arts-Filled City Where Pottery Is Thriving," 23 Nov. 2018 Sabarimala is surrounded by mountains and dense forests in its location at the Periyar Tiger Reserve. — Ashok Sharma, The Seattle Times, "Indian temple set to allow entry to females who menstruate," 17 Oct. 2018 The photos were taken by both amateur and professional photographers, who braved frigid weather, trekked through dense forests and walked across wetlands to capture the perfect shots of our fine feathered friends. — Brigit Katz, Smithsonian, "Peep the Stunning Winners of the Audubon Society’s Photo Contest," 6 July 2018 The entirety of the course is made up of different variations of Bermuda grass, and as the name suggests, the course winds through dense forests of Oak trees. — Daniel Rapaport, SI.com, "Valero Texas Open Preview: Field, Odds, History, Predictions," 18 Apr. 2018 Its dramatically varied geography means that even a short ride from downtown Santa Cruz takes you through dense redwood forests, miles of pristine coastline or bucolic stretches of berry and vegetable farms. — San Francisco Chronicle, "The 5 best bike rides around Santa Cruz," 11 Apr. 2018 The new LEDs are incredibly tiny and dense compared to typical SMD, or surface mount device, LEDs. — Gordon Mah Ung, PCWorld, "RGB fans, rejoice: Corsair's new Capellix LED technology is about to change everything," 10 Jan. 2019

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.