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
The missions became more intense as Japan's outlook grew more dire and the military showcased the sacrifice of the pilots to drum up patriotism and support for the war.
—
CBS News, 11 Apr. 2025
Next, the authors report that repressive techniques are often effective in suppressing protest in the short run but tend to make resistance more intense in the long term.
—Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 10 Apr. 2025
Weaving together intense journeys with jaw-dropping medical rescues 20,000 feet in the air in the most remote conditions, the new season throws the diverse group of medical responders into all-new challenges on the job and in their personal lives.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
Her message prompted an intense, impassioned reaction.
—Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intense
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CBS News, 11 Apr. 2025
Next, the authors report that repressive techniques are often effective in suppressing protest in the short run but tend to make resistance more intense in the long term.
—Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 10 Apr. 2025
Weaving together intense journeys with jaw-dropping medical rescues 20,000 feet in the air in the most remote conditions, the new season throws the diverse group of medical responders into all-new challenges on the job and in their personal lives.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
Her message prompted an intense, impassioned reaction.
—Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 10 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 16 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
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