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

• 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

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.

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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

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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

• hyper-intense

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