intense

adjective

in·​tense in-ˈten(t)s How to pronounce intense (audio)
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. See More
Recent Examples on the Web The pain in his shoulder was too intense to think straight. Ivana Kottasová, CNN, 12 Sep. 2023 As a result, when storms can unleash more intense precipitation and thus cause severe flooding. Denise Chow, NBC News, 12 Sep. 2023 Micah, 22, walks his 55-year-old father through his intense exercise routine. Kelly Martinez, Peoplemag, 11 Sep. 2023 Newton North jumps to No. 9 on the heels of a win over Newton South, while Franklin proved its mettle by drawing OA in an intense Hockomock matchup. Matt Doherty, BostonGlobe.com, 11 Sep. 2023 The game was originally postponed Friday night after intense storms swept through the area, bringing lightning and high winds. Glenn Graham, Baltimore Sun, 9 Sep. 2023 In the meantime, students are fanning themselves with notebooks, teachers are fundraising money for more classroom fans and courses such as cooking and cosmetology have been affected, because the intense heat prevents the use of certain equipment. Danica Coto, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2023 Ford is working to reach a deal before the 11:59 p.m. Sept. 14 deadline with the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, known universally as the United Auto Workers, under intense pressure to avoid a labor strike. Phoebe Wall Howard, The Courier-Journal, 8 Sep. 2023 There's more wildfires, there's more intense storms, there's more flooding, hurricanes, all of the above. Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 8 Sep. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'intense.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin intensus, from past participle of intendere to stretch out

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of intense was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near intense

Cite this Entry

“Intense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intense. Accessed 25 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

intense

adjective
in·​tense in-ˈten(t)s How to pronounce intense (audio)
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 How to pronounce intense (audio)
1
a
: existing in an extreme degree
intense anxiety
b
: extremely marked or pronounced
a neurodermatitis with intense itching and burning of the skinH. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on intense

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