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 of intense

• intensive
• fierce
• ferocious
• deep
• terrible
• furious

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 lore is also deepened, the kills get more intense, all good stuff. — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 10 Oct. 2026

Nicolas Cage has made a career of playing imaginative, chaotic, and intense character roles. — Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2026

Redistricting efforts in other red states—Indiana, most notably—had stalled, despite intense pressure from the White House. — Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026

For his part, French President Emmanuel Macron attempted to raise the retirement age to 64, but intense political pushback has stalled those efforts. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026

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

Rhymes for intense

• commence
• condense
• defence
• defense
• dispense
• expense
• fourpence
• halfpence
• immense
• incense
• missense
• offence

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