intense

adjective

Save Word

in·tense | \ in-ˈten(t)s

Definition of intense

1a : 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

3a : exhibiting strong feeling or earnestness of purpose an intense student

b : deeply felt

Other Words from intense Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing intense Learn More About intense

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. See More

Recent Examples on the Web Climate change is loading the dice in favor of more intense, frequent and long-lasting heat waves, Ebi said. — Drew Kann, ajc, 23 June 2022 Freshwater microbial blooms, wildfires, coral bleaching and spikes in ocean temperature are becoming more frequent and intense in our warming world. — Chris Mays, Scientific American, 23 June 2022 Specifically, the body starts making less of the hormone, potentially causing more intense and frequent migraine attacks in some people. — Kirsten Nunez, SELF, 22 June 2022 Meanwhile, temperatures are rising nearly everywhere because of global warming, combining in some places with brutal drought to create more intense, frequent and longer heat waves. — Elvia Limón, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2022 All participants reported more frequent or intense instances of eye strain, visual fatigue and nausea. — Tristan Bove, Fortune, 21 June 2022 In recent years, a library of studies by scholars and even the National Academy of Sciences confirms that heatwaves are becoming more intense and frequent due to climate change. — Marshall Shepherd, Forbes, 21 June 2022 Scientists have said that climate change is fueling more frequent and more intense heat waves in the U.S. and around the world. — Denise Chow, NBC News, 19 June 2022 Statewide, Alaska is experiencing warmer temperature trends that can cause drying, which in turn can spell more frequent and intense fires. — Morgan Krakow, Anchorage Daily News, 15 June 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'intense.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.