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
The series is a collection of intense, topical human stories of crime and punishment.
—
Katie Campione, Deadline, 27 Sep. 2024
By spinning in this intense way, Altair has become partially flattened, appearing sort of like an M&M—or an egg.
—Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Sep. 2024
Since Hurricane Beryl swept over the Gulf Coast in July, the season has been quieter so far than the most dire expectations—but still unusually intense for Americans living in hurricane country.
—Marina Koren, The Atlantic, 27 Sep. 2024
Sometimes, to endure such a painful and intense journey where you’re being questioned, feeling alone, having to rebuild your life, your only option is to self-contention.
—John Hopewell, Variety, 27 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for intense 
Katie Campione, Deadline, 27 Sep. 2024
By spinning in this intense way, Altair has become partially flattened, appearing sort of like an M&M—or an egg.
—Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Sep. 2024
Since Hurricane Beryl swept over the Gulf Coast in July, the season has been quieter so far than the most dire expectations—but still unusually intense for Americans living in hurricane country.
—Marina Koren, The Atlantic, 27 Sep. 2024
Sometimes, to endure such a painful and intense journey where you’re being questioned, feeling alone, having to rebuild your life, your only option is to self-contention.
—John Hopewell, Variety, 27 Sep. 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 2 Oct. 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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