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

Saturday's earthquake struck at a shallow depth of approximately 6 miles, which increased the intensity of shaking experienced at the surface. —Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2025

That's part of why the playoffs have had a different intensity to them this season. —Hunter Geisel, CBS News, 6 Dec. 2025

The Aledo defense, led by linebackers Cooper Cyphers and Chase Wilburn, limited Ryan’s offensive production with blistering pressure and intensity. —Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Dec. 2025

Exercise can increase bone mineral density in postmenopausal women and older adults, reducing fracture risk, and high-intensity resistance training is one of the most effective activities for improving bone health, studies have shown. —Dana Santas, CNN Money, 5 Dec. 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