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

Japan’s Japan Meteorological Agency says there is no tsunami risk, but warns that earthquakes up to upper-5 intensity could continue for about a week, with the highest risk in the next two to three days. —Anthony Trotter, ABC News, 6 Jan. 2026

While tantrums seem to come out of nowhere, striking with speed and intensity at the most inopportune times, scientists have been zeroing in on the buildup that can be underway for some time before an eruption. —Michelle Fay Cortez, Bloomberg, 5 Jan. 2026

Cherry Blossoms • Monique’s picking up on the intensity with which Angel clings to her identity as an NFL wife was genuinely insightful and has the potential to be a real breakthrough moment for Angel in what has been a very fraught season for her. —Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 5 Jan. 2026

Add family to the mix and the intensity amplifies. —Alice Park, Time, 5 Jan. 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