INTENSE Synonyms: 124 Similar and Opposite Words

intense

adjective

in-ˈten(t)s

Definition of intense

as in intensive

extreme in degree, power, or effect the intense cold of the polar regions

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 The other outside receiver position should be an intense three-way battle between Shelton, Ezukanma and Jeremy Scott, a transfer from South Alabama. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 July 2026 Perhaps that is simply a consequence of Google’s intense focus on efficiency as businesses have started to fret over the cost of AI tokens. — Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 21 July 2026 The fighting is now at its most intense level since the war began in February. — Emily Feng, NPR, 21 July 2026 However, this potential sky show isn’t a result of a coronal mass ejection (CME), the intense solar eruptions responsible for some of the most widespread aurora events in recent years. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for intense

Recent Examples of Synonyms for intense

Adjective

The Warrior-Scholar Project is a STEM intensive founded in 2012 at Yale and has served nearly 3,000 veterans, challenging them with up to 75 hours of academic work.

— Francesca Pinney, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026
The company believes those products could support several parts of the defense manufacturing chain, particularly facilities involved in shipbuilding, advanced materials production and energy-intensive industrial operations.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 30 July 2026

Definition of intensive

Adjective

Competing in his home country of Canada against top heel champion MJF with a passionate crowd behind him felt like the perfect setting.

— Rob Wolkenbrod, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Later, their tentative friendship turns into something more passionate — to the dismay of eavesdropping Asla, who realizes she is not the party Helge’s charm was aimed at.

— Dennis Harvey, Variety, 26 July 2026

Definition of passionate

Adjective

Management tried to modernize a restaurant brand built around nostalgia, underestimated how strongly customers identified with its image, and eventually reversed the change after a fierce backlash.

— Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
The jostling grew particularly fierce between South Carolina and Nevada.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of fierce

Adjective

According to the Storm Prediction Center, thunderstorms with severe wind gusts will be possible in the region, where warm, humid air is creating an unstable atmosphere.

— Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 29 July 2026
Joe’s is seeing strong momentum behind warm ecru and crisp bright white this summer, as shoppers gravitate toward lighter denim styles in place of traditional heavyweight indigo jeans.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 29 July 2026

Definition of warm

Adjective

Emergency crews are still scrambling to contain ferocious blazes in Spain and France, where authorities have warned wildfires could burn for several months before they are fully extinguished.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
One is among the most ferocious forces in the sport, a bona fide ace who is must-see TV.

— Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 26 July 2026

Definition of ferocious

Adjective

The pair ended practice with a touchdown off a deep toss from Young to McMillan with Jackson, again, in coverage.

— Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
In an era dominated by physical defenders, Baresi distinguished himself through his reading of the game, redefining the sweeper role by combining defensive authority with the ability to launch attacks from deep.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 31 July 2026

Definition of deep

Adjective

This effect was exaggerated when rising talents with fervent new fanbases, like Alex Eala of the Philippines and João Fonseca of Brazil, took the courts.

— James Hansen, New York Times, 27 July 2026
After a woeful June, one that had even the club’s most fervent supporters hovering their hands over panic buttons, the Braves have burst out of the All-Star break with vengeance on offense.

— Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 20 July 2026

Definition of fervent

Browse Nearby Words

intends

intense

intensely

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Intense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intense. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of intense

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on intense

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

mitigate

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Popular in Wordplay

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes