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

The researchers also demonstrated that the chip could measure information contained in phase relationships that intensity-only measurements would miss. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026

But as the music builds in intensity, the blues and bebop references in Lyons’ playing get swept up in a wave of interlocking patterns. — Levi Dayan, Pitchfork, 3 Nov. 2026

Williams suggests starting with light pressure along the natural lip shape before building intensity. — Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026

Prioritize Intensity Over Reps Do reps at a high intensity (quickly) to work the fast twitch fibers. — Laura Solla, Vogue, 3 Nov. 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