intensity

noun

in·​ten·​si·​ty in-ˈten(t)-sə-tē 

plural intensities

1

: the quality or state of being intense

especially : extreme degree of strength, force, energy, or feeling

2

: the magnitude of a quantity (such as force or energy) per unit (as of area, charge, mass, or time)

3

: saturation sense 4a

Synonyms of intensity

• enthusiasm
• emotion
• intenseness
• warmth
• passionateness
• passion
• violence

Examples of intensity in a Sentence

the intensity of the sun's rays

the intensity of the argument

The sun shone with great intensity.

Recent Examples on the Web

Reaves has such high hopes because of the defensive intensity the Lakers have displayed in camp. — Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026

Since the beginning of July, Russian drones and missiles have been terrorizing Kyiv with exceptional intensity. — Dmytro Kuleba, Foreign Affairs, 30 Sep. 2026

Each enters the room at a precise point in the story, with its timing, intensity and duration considered in relation to what guests are seeing, hearing and tasting. — Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026

The Inkey List’s PHA Toner takes a gentler approach, using 3% PHA to loosen dead cells on the surface without the intensity of a stronger acid, plus 3% niacinamide and aloe vera to support and soothe skin. — Jenny Jin, Glamour, 29 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing intensity

• high-intensity interval training
• hyper-intensity

Rhymes for intensity

• immensity
• propensity
• density

Kids Definition

intensity

noun

in·​ten·​si·​ty in-ˈten(t)-sət-ē 

plural intensities

1

: the quality or state of being intense

especially : extreme strength, force, or feeling

2

: the degree or amount of a quality or condition

the intensity of an electric field

Medical Definition

intensity

noun

in·​ten·​si·​ty in-ˈten(t)-sət-ē 

plural intensities

1

: the quality or state of being intense

especially : extreme degree of strength, force, energy, or feeling

2

: the magnitude of a quantity (as force or energy) per unit (as of surface, charge, mass, or time)

3

: saturation sense 4a