intensifier
noun
in·ten·si·fi·er
in-ˈten(t)-sə-ˌfī(-ə)r 
: one that intensifies
especially
: intensive
Examples of intensifier in a Sentence
“So” can function as an intensifier, as in “I'm so tired.”
Recent Examples on the Web
The subject matter turns persistently to the cabaret and circus, which are intensifiers of life, especially its precariousness and absurdity.
—
Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, 15 Dec. 2023
Swear words might be used today as an intensifier in language, or to express emotions like anger or even joy.
—Luke Taylor, Discover Magazine, 4 Nov. 2020
Fermentation, a surefire intensifier, is a focus for many chefs these days, especially those working without meat.
—Ted Loos, Robb Report, 26 Nov. 2022
The years leading to the Civil War, and the war itself, were political intensifiers; radicalism was rewarded and could be made to pay.
—Andrew Ferguson, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2020
The weapon also has a full length Picatinny rail to mount optics, image intensifiers, and other aiming tools.
—Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 28 Feb. 2020
Under this scenario there is no vacancy but there still would be a considerable intensifier for Democratic voters.
—Chris Stirewalt, Fox News, 19 Sep. 2018
Thermal technology Image intensifier systems work fine outdoors, where there’s almost always a bit of starlight or other ambient light to work with.
—Emily Matchar, Smithsonian, 19 May 2017
Branden Baker, 34, acknowledges stealing more than 50 image intensifiers and other night vision equipment from Marine Helicopter Squadron One.
—Leada Gore, AL.com, 30 May 2017
Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, 15 Dec. 2023
Swear words might be used today as an intensifier in language, or to express emotions like anger or even joy.
—Luke Taylor, Discover Magazine, 4 Nov. 2020
Fermentation, a surefire intensifier, is a focus for many chefs these days, especially those working without meat.
—Ted Loos, Robb Report, 26 Nov. 2022
The years leading to the Civil War, and the war itself, were political intensifiers; radicalism was rewarded and could be made to pay.
—Andrew Ferguson, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2020
The weapon also has a full length Picatinny rail to mount optics, image intensifiers, and other aiming tools.
—Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 28 Feb. 2020
Under this scenario there is no vacancy but there still would be a considerable intensifier for Democratic voters.
—Chris Stirewalt, Fox News, 19 Sep. 2018
Thermal technology Image intensifier systems work fine outdoors, where there’s almost always a bit of starlight or other ambient light to work with.
—Emily Matchar, Smithsonian, 19 May 2017
Branden Baker, 34, acknowledges stealing more than 50 image intensifiers and other night vision equipment from Marine Helicopter Squadron One.
—Leada Gore, AL.com, 30 May 2017
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'intensifier.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1835, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near intensifier
Cite this Entry
“Intensifier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intensifier. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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