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
Anybody who thought Messi would rest after the intense international tournament does not know Messi.
—
Miami Herald, 6 July 2025
During the 1995 heat wave, many of the casualties were seniors who didn’t have family or neighbors to check in on them, especially those living in high-rise buildings where the heat was particularly intense.
—Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 6 July 2025
The long jump was not the only field event that delivered intense competition.
—Katelyn Hutchison, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
There were several safety cars during the race, along with changing conditions with periods of intense rain followed by a drying track.
—Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for intense
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Miami Herald, 6 July 2025
During the 1995 heat wave, many of the casualties were seniors who didn’t have family or neighbors to check in on them, especially those living in high-rise buildings where the heat was particularly intense.
—Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 6 July 2025
The long jump was not the only field event that delivered intense competition.
—Katelyn Hutchison, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
There were several safety cars during the race, along with changing conditions with periods of intense rain followed by a drying track.
—Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 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 18 Jul. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share