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

Murban crude, produced by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), has a carbon intensity less than half the global industry average. — H.e. Dr Abdulla Saif Al Jarwan, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026

My entire goal was to stay as relaxed as possible and let the contractions keep doing the work—an extremely challenging task as the intensity continued to build. — Trinity Mouzon Wofford, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Oct. 2026

The company had been hired to model what might happen in a 100-year storm — a term that reflects the anticipated depth and intensity of rainfall. — Abe Streep, ProPublica, 21 Oct. 2026

While the paintings may not be physically vibrating, their compositions resonate with a similar intensity. — Tara Anne Dalbow, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 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