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
His approach to the game is unashamedly intense, launching himself at crosses and scrapping with centre-halves.
—
Thom Harris, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026
In the statement posted on social media by his brigade, Oleksiy described the horror of losing men under Russian fire, as well as the constant assaults that grew more intense if the weather was too poor for Ukraine to thwart attacks with drones.
—Daria Tarasova-Markina, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 2026
The irony, of course, is that Handle are so locked into their own sense of logic that listening to the 27-minute album can be disorienting and frequently quite intense.
—Shaad D’souza, Pitchfork, 20 Apr. 2026
Moreover, these hyperactive behaviors became even more intense as the study progressed, showing a lasting shift in how the fish navigated their environment.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for intense
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Thom Harris, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026
In the statement posted on social media by his brigade, Oleksiy described the horror of losing men under Russian fire, as well as the constant assaults that grew more intense if the weather was too poor for Ukraine to thwart attacks with drones.
—Daria Tarasova-Markina, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 2026
The irony, of course, is that Handle are so locked into their own sense of logic that listening to the 27-minute album can be disorienting and frequently quite intense.
—Shaad D’souza, Pitchfork, 20 Apr. 2026
Moreover, these hyperactive behaviors became even more intense as the study progressed, showing a lasting shift in how the fish navigated their environment.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 20 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 21 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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