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

Synonyms

• intensive
• fierce
• ferocious
• deep
• terrible
• furious

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

There were times when the twin drama got too intense. —Maris Kreizman, Rolling Stone, 24 June 2025

Drilling defense: Every day at practice, the Broncos execute intense, one-on-one, full-court defensive slide drills. —Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 June 2025

The wine is a dark ruby featuring an intense bouquet of blackberry, cherry liqueur, and cedar. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025

Beijing is also working to draw Europe closer as the continent faces intense pressure from Washington; for example, China has lifted sanctions on members of the European Parliament and dangled other concessions ahead of an EU-Chinese summit scheduled for July 2025. —Oriana Skylar Mastro, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025

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

Phrases Containing intense

• hyper-intense

Rhymes for intense

• commence
• condense
• defence
• defense
• dispense
• expense
• fourpence
• halfpence
• immense
• incense
• missense
• offence

Kids 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

c

: very large or considerable

intense radiation

2

a

: feeling deeply especially by nature or temperament

b

: deeply felt

intense emotions

intensely adverb