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intense

adjective

in-ˈten(t)s How to pronounce intense (audio)
Definition of intensenext
1
as in intensive
extreme in degree, power, or effect the intense cold of the polar regions

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in passionate
having or expressing great depth of feeling an intense actor who favors edgy film roles

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of intense Gutierrez describes the past five years as particularly intense, as visitors have arrived in droves seeking some kind of neo-shamanic transformation, as seen on their Instagram stories. — Claire Hoffman, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026 Immigration officers have come under intense scrutiny amid a series of shootings during the crackdown. — Anna Wilder, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026 Plot summary Severance’s protagonist, Mark Scout (Adam Scott), is a former history professor who opted for the severance procedure to escape his intense grief after the sudden death of his wife, Gemma (Dichen Lachman). — Jordana Rosenfeld, Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 Sep. 2026 Judges thanked the audience for maintaining a respectful decorum for an intense and sensitive case. — Jen Guadarrama, IndyStar, 21 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intense
  1. intensive
  2. passionate
  3. fierce
  4. warm
  5. ferocious
  6. passional
  7. deep
  8. fervent
Adjective
  • The process needed to refine diesel is more intensive, however.
    — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Currently, more intensive solutions like a replacement are likely better for people at more advanced stages.
    — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of intensive
Adjective
  • Educators caught in the middle Feelings are pretty passionate on both sides.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Astrologically, this lunation will peak in the bold and pioneering sign of Aries, adding a fiery and passionate vibe to this visually striking moment.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of passionate
Adjective
  • Economists expect Beijing to lean harder on stimulus to stabilize corporate profitability, as consolidation accelerates in sectors already facing sluggish demand, fierce competition and cutthroat price wars.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026
  • There has been fierce fighting on Yemen's Red Sea coast as government forces attempt to reverse recent Houthi advances.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of fierce
Adjective
  • Outside the window warm air moved the leaves on the branches while around her, phones rang, and men and women answered Helios Accounting, Entertainment’s Finest.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026
  • In the gleaming lobby, the brand’s signature scent—a warm and woody fragrance reminiscent of two of my favorites, Comme des Garçons’ Wonderwood and Odin New York’s 07 Tanoke—greeted me.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of warm
Adjective
  • The prosecutors quietly overcame ferocious resistance within their office to pursuing the first indictment of Diamantis, in 2024.
    — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Young is coming off a ferocious couple of live years, first with Crazy Horse and then with the Chrome Hearts.
    — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of ferocious
Adjective
  • At Fox, Collier became known for his passional embrace of blockchain, NFTs and the whole Web3 space.
    — Michael Schneider, Variety, 10 Nov. 2022
Definition of passional
Adjective
  • Like other Vionic shoes, these have a deep heel cup to stabilize the foot and ankle.
    — Cheryl Wagemann, InStyle, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Such abandonment wounds are deep and destabilizing; the younger the child, the deeper the wound and the harder to form a sense of self and of value as an adult.
    — Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of deep
Adjective
  • The performance likely to have the most fervent admirers in Creed-Miles’ as Marianne, the reckless romantic who lets her heart lead her, with devastating results.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2026
  • But a reporter from Denmark’s public broadcaster observed politicians going in and out of the government building, reflecting fervent interest in the American president’s designs on their land.
    — Isaac Stanley-Becker, The Atlantic, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of fervent

Browse Nearby Words

intends
intense
intensely
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Cite this Entry

“Intense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intense. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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