intense

adjective

Save Word

in·tense | \ in-ˈten(t)s

Definition of intense

1a : 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

3a : exhibiting strong feeling or earnestness of purpose an intense student

b : deeply felt

Other Words from intense Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about intense

Keep scrolling for more

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 Promotions have largely been absent from grocery stores in the spring because competition from restaurants had faded and customer demand was intense, according to analysts. — Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN, "The great grocery boom is slowing down," 14 Sep. 2020 Meanwhile, the global competition to get a vaccine first – and reap the economic and scientific rewards – is intense, with over 120 vaccines currently in development. — Efthimios Parasidis, The Conversation, "Big pharma’s safety pledge isn’t enough to build public confidence in COVID-19 vaccine – here’s what will," 14 Sep. 2020 The tensions between Warren and the leaders of the Rochester Police Locust Club, the union representing more than 700 officers, have been especially intense. — Shayna Jacobs, Washington Post, "Protesters and police have the same message for the Rochester mayor: resign," 12 Sep. 2020 Their products automatically become more expensive for customers who pay in other currencies, putting them at a disadvantage against foreign rivals when sales are already depressed and competition is intense. — Jack Ewing, New York Times, "Surging Euro Presents E.C.B. With a Dilemma," 10 Sep. 2020 On the left, hostility to free speech and open debate is even more intense. — Jonah Goldberg Tribune News Service (tns), Star Tribune, "In American politics today, the center is a lonely place to be," 9 Sep. 2020 Violent crime may be a handful of rungs down on the Pew survey list, but concern about it is still intense. — Michael Smolens Columnist, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Column: Biden is fighting on Trump’s turf," 6 Sep. 2020 The trail begins at a desecrated church and the haunt is intense. — Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, "Top 5 things to do in Cincinnati this weekend: Sept. 4-6," 3 Sep. 2020 The backlash among conservatives was brief but intense, and Trump’s heavy-handed treatment of protesters since then can be seen as an effort to wash away that indelible mental image of the president cowering underground. — Matt Ford, The New Republic, "The Republicans’ Absurd Quest to Turn Biden Into Trump," 2 Sep. 2020

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.