intense
adjective
in·tense
in-ˈten(t)s 
1
a
: existing in an extreme degree
The excitement was intense.
intense pain
b
: having or showing a characteristic in extreme degree
intense colors
2
: marked by or expressive of great zeal, energy, determination, or concentration
intense effort
3
a
: exhibiting strong feeling or earnestness of purpose
an intense student
b
: deeply felt
intensely
adverb
intenseness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of intense in a Sentence
He shielded his eyes from the intense flash of light.
She has an intense dislike for her husband's friend.
After many years of intense study, he received his medical degree.
School reform is a subject of intense debate.
The work requires intense concentration.
He was an intense young man who was very determined to do well in school.
Recent Examples on the Web
Not only is there a bifurcation between those who hold degrees and those who don’t, but there also is a similar gulf in the degree skills market, with some jobs drawing scores of applicants while others sit unfilled, making the competition for the jobs recent grads want even more intense.
—
Kevin Williams, CNBC, 14 July 2024
Their range started creeping north around the 1980s (initially after an intense El Niño event), and by 2000, they were seen with relative frequency in the coastal waters near the bay.
—Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2024
However, Alcaraz pushed through the intense tiebreaker and won the highly coveted title.
—Marina Watts, Peoplemag, 14 July 2024
Doherty had been undergoing intense radiation treatments that admittedly scared her because of the potential side effects.
—Sara Vallone, Miami Herald, 14 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for intense 
Kevin Williams, CNBC, 14 July 2024
Their range started creeping north around the 1980s (initially after an intense El Niño event), and by 2000, they were seen with relative frequency in the coastal waters near the bay.
—Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2024
However, Alcaraz pushed through the intense tiebreaker and won the highly coveted title.
—Marina Watts, Peoplemag, 14 July 2024
Doherty had been undergoing intense radiation treatments that admittedly scared her because of the potential side effects.
—Sara Vallone, Miami Herald, 14 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for intense
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'intense.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near intense
Cite this Entry
“Intense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intense. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
intense
adjective
in·tense
in-ˈten(t)s
1
: existing in an extreme degree
intense pain
2
: done or performed with great zeal, energy, or eagerness
intense study
3
: feeling deeply
an intense actor
intensely
adverb
intenseness
noun
Medical Definition
intense
adjective
in·tense
in-ˈten(t)s
1
a
: existing in an extreme degree
intense anxiety
b
: extremely marked or pronounced
a neurodermatitis with intense itching and burning of the skin—H. G. Armstrong
H. G. Armstrong
c
: very large or considerable
intense radiation
2
a
: feeling deeply especially by nature or temperament
b
: deeply felt
intense emotions
intensely
adverb
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