intense

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adjective in·tense \ in-ˈten(t)s \

Definition of intense

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

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intensely

adverb

—

intenseness

noun

See intense defined for English-language learners

See intense defined for kids

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 of intense from the Web

The flooding was intense Wednesday in Port Arthur, after Harvey made a return visit, this time in Cameron, La., about 45 east of Port Arthur.

— lee williams, star-telegram, "Flooding separated 2 kids from dad in Port Arthur. Officials trying to reunite them.," 30 Aug. 2017
Finally, there’s some research that suggests that the average storm is expected to be more intense due to climate change.

— dino grandoni, Washington Post, "The Energy 202: Harvey sparks new debate over hurricanes and climate change," 29 Aug. 2017
The past few weeks have been intense, and the excitement continues this week with the rare new moon solar eclipse Monday falling in your zone of partnerships and relationships.

— aurora tower, Cosmopolitan, "Your Horoscopes for the Week of August 21," 20 Aug. 2017
Harris didn’t have the background needed to perform such intense stunts, but there were white female stunt performers with motorcycle experience who could have stepped in, according to T.H.R.’s sources.

— yohana desta, vanityfair.com, "Stunt Community Says Deadpool 2 Tragedy “Absolutely Could Have Been Prevented”," 17 Aug. 2017
This was perhaps the deadliest, most intense form of ancient warfare.

— william gurstelle, Popular Mechanics, "How to Storm a Castle," 10 Aug. 2017
In addition to banding hummingbirds, the fests will include exhibits or talks about their intense migration and ways to attract them to your own yard.

— vickie snow jurkowski, Daily Southtown, "August is hummingbird season," 10 Aug. 2017
San Diegan Brooke Seay had just beaten Rachel Heck on the second extra hole in an intense, see-saw match in the Round of the 64 of the 117th U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship on Wednesday.

— tod leonard, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Seay it is so: San Diegan advances in U.S. Am by beating good friend," 9 Aug. 2017
Wear them even when 99 percent of the sun is covered because the remaining part is still intense enough to cause retinal burns.

— michael e. bakich, Discover Magazine, "Solar Eclipse Geometry," 7 Aug. 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of intense

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

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First Known Use: 15th century

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intense Synonyms

Synonyms

acute, almighty, blistering, deep, dreadful, excruciating, explosive, exquisite, fearful, fearsome, ferocious, fierce, frightful, furious, ghastly, hard, heavy, heavy-duty, hellacious, intensive, keen, profound, terrible, vehement, vicious, violent

Antonyms

light, moderate, soft

Related Words

accentuated, aggravated, concentrated, deepened; emphasized, enhanced, heightened, intensified, magnified; stressed; exhaustive, thorough; harsh, rigorous, severe

Near Antonyms

feeble, weak; shallow, superficial; moderated, qualified; alleviated, eased, lightened, toned (down); abated, decreased, diminished, lessened, reduced, subdued

INTENSE Defined for English Language Learners

intense

play

adjective

Definition of intense for English Language Learners

: very great in degree : very strong
: done with or showing great energy, enthusiasm, or effort
of a person : very serious

INTENSE Defined for Kids

intense

play

adjective in·tense \ in-ˈtens \

Definition of intense for Students

1 :very great in degree :extreme

intense heat

2 :done with great energy, enthusiasm, or effort

intense concentration

3 :having very strong feelings

an intense person

—

intensely

adverb

Medical Dictionary

intense

play

adjective in·tense \ in-ˈten(t)s \

medical Definition of intense

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

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intensely

adverb

Learn More about intense

See words that rhyme with intense Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for intense Spanish Central: Translation of intense Nglish: Translation of intense for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of intense for Arabic speakers

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Examples of intense in a Sentence

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Origin and Etymology of intense

intense Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Words

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INTENSE Defined for English Language Learners

intense

Definition of intense for English Language Learners

INTENSE Defined for Kids

intense

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intensely

Medical Dictionary

intense

medical Definition of intense

intensely

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