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 single performs even better on the Hard Rock Digital Song Sales chart, which is compiled in the same way as the Rock Digital Song Sales list, only the focus is exclusively on the more intense, harder style of the genre.
—
Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025
The Chiefs tallied another three points from Butker as both defenses were noticeably intense and solid as the first quarter ended 6-3 Kansas City.
—Kevin Dotson, CNN, 19 Jan. 2025
The attempt on Trump's life led to intense scrutiny of the U.S. Secret Service and the resignation of Director Kimberly Cheatle.
—Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 18 Jan. 2025
Colors are intense and plants stand up to drought, heat, cold, rain and wind.
—Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 18 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for intense 
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Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025
The Chiefs tallied another three points from Butker as both defenses were noticeably intense and solid as the first quarter ended 6-3 Kansas City.
—Kevin Dotson, CNN, 19 Jan. 2025
The attempt on Trump's life led to intense scrutiny of the U.S. Secret Service and the resignation of Director Kimberly Cheatle.
—Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 18 Jan. 2025
Colors are intense and plants stand up to drought, heat, cold, rain and wind.
—Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 18 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for intense
Dictionary Entries Near intense
Cite this Entry
“Intense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intense. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
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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