intently

adverb

in·​tent·​ly in-ˈtent-lē How to pronounce intently (audio)
Synonyms of intentlynext
: in an intent or concentrated manner : with great effort, attention, or concentration
Their eyes, when they look at you and listen intently, focus like laser beams.Molly Haskell
He turned back to face her again and stared at her most intently.Robert C. O'Brien

Examples of intently in a Sentence

intently studied his notes just before the exam
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
People with autism may have difficulty transitioning from one activity to another, focus intently on small details or have unusual reactions to sensory stimulus. The Baltimore Sun, Boston Herald, 30 Dec. 2025 Social media videos of four-legged companions watching the movie adaptation of the beloved holiday classic have gone viral as pups of all shapes and sizes appear to be intently watching, especially when the Grinch, played by Jim Carrey, is on screen with Max, his dog and companion. James Powel, USA Today, 23 Dec. 2025 With Keith and Camilla listening intently, the pre-inquest hearing was told by Detective Superintendent Colin Chandler that their son’s death remained the subject of an ongoing police investigation. Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 17 Dec. 2025 Giles slowed the boat, and Rappold searched the water intently. Kelso Harper, Scientific American, 16 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intently

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of intently was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Intently.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intently. Accessed 8 Jan. 2026.

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