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

Its greatest strength lies in the depth and honesty of the central performance, which brings quiet intensity and vulnerability to the character’s journey. —Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 22 Nov. 2025

Speak with a healthcare provider before starting any supplements since your age, diet, training type, training intensity, medications, and health status might change dosage recommendations. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 21 Nov. 2025

Such intensity of focus may also explain why Zhao and O’Farrell have jettisoned the novel’s nonsequential narrative structure, which shuttles, quite intricately, between two parallel time frames. —Justin Chang, New Yorker, 21 Nov. 2025

Ukrainian officials say the scale of losses underscores the intensity of fighting as Russia continues its offensive operations. —Matthew Robinson, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2025

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