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
The intense moment two Navy jets collided midair at the Mountain Home Air Force Base in southwestern Idaho was captured on video.
—
Julia Gomez, USA Today, 18 May 2026
Forecasters warn dangerous conditions across the Plains and Midwest could bring intense tornadoes — including long-track EF3s or stronger — along with destructive hail, damaging winds and torrential rain.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 18 May 2026
Several tornadoes and a few intense tornadoes are likely in this region, along with large hail and damaging wind gusts.
—Kenton Gewecke, ABC News, 18 May 2026
Still, the deal is likely to face intense scrutiny from regulators, consumer advocates and lawmakers concerned about market concentration, electricity prices and grid reliability.
—Reuters, NBC news, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for intense
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Julia Gomez, USA Today, 18 May 2026
Forecasters warn dangerous conditions across the Plains and Midwest could bring intense tornadoes — including long-track EF3s or stronger — along with destructive hail, damaging winds and torrential rain.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 18 May 2026
Several tornadoes and a few intense tornadoes are likely in this region, along with large hail and damaging wind gusts.
—Kenton Gewecke, ABC News, 18 May 2026
Still, the deal is likely to face intense scrutiny from regulators, consumer advocates and lawmakers concerned about market concentration, electricity prices and grid reliability.
—Reuters, NBC news, 18 May 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 19 May. 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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