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
1
as in intensity
depth of feeling
she presents her religious convictions with an intenseness that makes some people uncomfortable
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in aggressiveness
the quality or state of being forceful (as in expression)
every challenge that he undertakes is tackled with an intenseness that would exhaust most people
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
Ted Johnson, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2025
But Texas is not among them, despite intense lobbying efforts, in keeping with the Lone Star State’s aversion to casino gambling.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Sep. 2025
The quiet street where Robinson lived with his parents is now the subject of intense scrutiny.
—Davis Winkie, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
Parts of Idaho, and Ada County, have been losing droves of farmland in the past several decades, in part because the area’s intense growth has driven demand for property that has been turned into housing or commercial development.
—Idaho Statesman, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intense
Adjective
After Dowd’s remarks, MSNBC immediately came under intense criticism on social media.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2025
But Texas is not among them, despite intense lobbying efforts, in keeping with the Lone Star State’s aversion to casino gambling.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Sep. 2025
The quiet street where Robinson lived with his parents is now the subject of intense scrutiny.
—Davis Winkie, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
Parts of Idaho, and Ada County, have been losing droves of farmland in the past several decades, in part because the area’s intense growth has driven demand for property that has been turned into housing or commercial development.
—Idaho Statesman, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intense
Adjective
-
Zack recently completed five weeks of intensive training with his handler, Deputy Trisha List.—
Clifford Ward,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Measles, for example, was eliminated in the US in 2000 through intensive vaccination.—
Brenda Goodman,
CNN Money,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
While traditional agencies mainly focus on commission structures, Iftiu built his organization around leadership development and recruiting salespeople who are passionate about putting clients first.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Kaif Shaikh Kaif Shaikh is a journalist and writer passionate about turning complex information into clear, impactful stories.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The goal is to allow the fire to meet the holding features at the lowest possible fire intensity.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Its presence in the night sky on Saturday may make any auroras harder to see, but that does depends on their intensity.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Before the Bucs' preseason finale, head coach Todd Bowles praised Sanders for his effort on special teams and his overall aggressiveness.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
31 Aug. 2025
-
The Detroit Tigers came into last offseason with some money to spend and a lot of aggressiveness.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Despite fierce opposition to certain kids books by conservative activists, Maricopa County, which serves 144,000 library cardholders, received only 12 formal letters asking for reevaluation of library books and DVDs since 2021.—
Taylor Seely,
AZCentral.com,
8 Sep. 2025
-
In August, the discontent grew when a leak showed that the White House's forthcoming MAHA strategy report would sidestep tougher limits on pesticides and other agrochemicals, bowing to fierce industry pressure.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Forget the crowds of other Rocky Mountain destinations—Durango gives visitors a warm Colorado welcome, and then some.—
Cu Fleshman,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Fall and winter are ideal for testing the soil in flower and vegetable gardens, as well as warm-season turfgrass lawns.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Don't hide from the layers of emotions and frustrations.—
David Oliver,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
-
King's works have always run on big, outsized emotions, and De Palma, with all his extra-ness, may have been the perfect director to first bring the author's work to the screen.—
James Grebey,
Time,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Just like that, Denver’s ferocious defensive front had turned a go-ahead scoring opportunity for the Titans into a punt.—
Nick Kosmider,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
-
The conflict in Europe was mirrored by a ferocious debate between scientists and Spiritualists, each side fueled by the pain of their own private losses.—
Alice Vernon
September 8,
Literary Hub,
8 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Intense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intense. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share