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
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
An intense search-and-rescue effort is underway for the second crew member of an F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet that crashed in Iran amid escalating tension in the Middle East.
—
Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
As for Kelley, Malek’s intense eyes and nervous energy escalate the anxiety in every scene.
—Alice Kaplan, The New York Review of Books, 4 Apr. 2026
Because convection heat is more intense, lowering the temperature to 375°F instead of 400°F may help prevent over-browning while still achieving crisp skins and tender centers.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2026
Although the plasma does not directly touch the reactor walls under ideal conditions, intense heat and high-energy particles still impact the inner surfaces.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for intense
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Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
As for Kelley, Malek’s intense eyes and nervous energy escalate the anxiety in every scene.
—Alice Kaplan, The New York Review of Books, 4 Apr. 2026
Because convection heat is more intense, lowering the temperature to 375°F instead of 400°F may help prevent over-browning while still achieving crisp skins and tender centers.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2026
Although the plasma does not directly touch the reactor walls under ideal conditions, intense heat and high-energy particles still impact the inner surfaces.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for intense
Cite this Entry
“Intense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intense. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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
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