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
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
Whether singing a cappella or accompanied by her guitar to hundreds or thousands of people − at a small venue or an awards show − Lafourcade's performances feel visceral, intense and intimate all at once.
—
Pamela Avila, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
In place of intense (and potentially irritating) acids, Mediheal's Madecassoside Blemish Pads target breakouts and breakout-causing bacteria with anti-inflammatory powerhouses madecassoside and cica.
—Sarah Han, Allure, 25 Apr. 2025
Columbia has come under intense scrutiny over the rise in antisemitism on campus with Trump canceling $400 million in grants to the university in March.
—Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Executives cited intense competition from wireless providers that offer broadband, and, by implication, may also offer more attractive pricing plans and some better customer service than Comcast.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intense
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.
Pamela Avila, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
In place of intense (and potentially irritating) acids, Mediheal's Madecassoside Blemish Pads target breakouts and breakout-causing bacteria with anti-inflammatory powerhouses madecassoside and cica.
—Sarah Han, Allure, 25 Apr. 2025
Columbia has come under intense scrutiny over the rise in antisemitism on campus with Trump canceling $400 million in grants to the university in March.
—Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Executives cited intense competition from wireless providers that offer broadband, and, by implication, may also offer more attractive pricing plans and some better customer service than Comcast.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intense
Cite this Entry
“Intense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intense. Accessed 29 Apr. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share