intense

adjective

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

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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

Though firefighters continue to fight for control over the wildfires, CNN reports that intense winds and low humidity could only further fuel the flames, and the fires are likely to worsen over the weekend. — Christian Allaire, Vogue, "At Least 9 Dead in California’s Most Destructive Wildfire in History," 10 Nov. 2018 Married African American women have higher rates of infertility than married white women, and may face even more intense stigma. — Julia Belluz, Vox, "Why Michelle Obama’s revelation that she had a miscarriage and did IVF matters," 9 Nov. 2018 But the British/American dynamic is definitely there — and cookies are apparently important to both, since Stacey is an intense baker. — Sara Delgado, Teen Vogue, "Vanessa Hudgens's "The Princess Switch" Is Reminding Fans of "The Lizzie McGuire Movie," "Monte Carlo," and More," 8 Nov. 2018 These kinds of stressful periods can produce intense anxiety. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, "Study: Tetris is a great distraction for easing an anxious mind," 2 Nov. 2018 In Netflix's witchy new series, the characters known as the Weird Sisters — played by Tati Gabrielle, Abigail F. Cowen, and Adeline Rudolph — are always seen wearing intense lipstick colors to match their brooding, powerful presence. — Marci Robin, Allure, "The Lipsticks Worn by the Witches of The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Are Surprisingly Pricey," 1 Nov. 2018 Or if a mysterious, emotionally intense Scorpio designed it. — Diana Budds, Curbed, "Based on your zodiac sign, what should your Halloween costume be?," 10 Oct. 2018 But all of this affection comes after an intense start for the two friends. — Alison Caporimo, Seventeen, ""Riverdale"'s Camila Mendes and Charles Melton Just Made Their Relationship Instagram Official!," 8 Oct. 2018 Catwoman is one of DC's most intense anti-hero personalities. — David Betancourt, chicagotribune.com, "Fans were mad that Batman and Catwoman's wedding day surprise was ruined. But the story is still great.," 10 July 2018

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.

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Dictionary Entries near intense

Statistics for intense

Last Updated

14 Nov 2018

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for intense

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

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More Definitions for intense

intense

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of intense

: very great in degree : very strong

: done with or showing great energy, enthusiasm, or effort

of a person : very serious

See the full definition for intense in the English Language Learners Dictionary

intense

adjective

in·tense | \in-ˈtens

\

Kids Definition of intense

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

intense

adjective

in·tense | \in-ˈten(t)s

\

Medical Definition of intense

1a : 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

2a : feeling deeply especially by nature or temperament

b : deeply felt intense emotions

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