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

For potential red card tackles, the protocol involves the VAR watching the incident at full speed from a wide angle first to establish the intensity, before getting more forensic with the point of contact. — Graham Scott, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Wall Street is paying attention to the growing intensity of pushback from states and local communities. — Tobias Burns, CNBC, 6 Sep. 2026

Fluctuations in intensity are possible through the next day or so, followed by a gradual weakening trend Sunday and Monday. — Doyle Rice, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026

How Helimets approaches dance Helimets has a gentle intensity and a commitment to dance that come through in a variety of ways. — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 5 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