intensify

[in-ten-suh-fahy] / ɪnˈtɛn səˌfaɪ /

VERB

make more forceful, severe

Synonyms

STRONGEST

add to aggravate boost build up deepen enhance escalate exacerbate heat up heighten increase quicken raise redouble reinforce set off sharpen step up strengthen

STRONG

accent accentuate aggrandize augment brighten concentrate darken emphasize exalt lighten magnify point rise rouse spike stress whet

WEAK

add fuel beef up intensate pour it on tone up

Antonyms

STRONGEST

decrease diminish discourage dull halt help hinder hurt lessen lower reduce slow soften soothe subtract undermine weaken

STRONG

darken debase degrade depress play down upset

WEAK

calm

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

On Wall Street, chatter about a summer “melt-up” has started to intensify.

From MarketWatch • May 26, 2026

The unusual May heat gripping the UK is forecast to intensify over the bank holiday weekend, reaching heatwave criteria in a number of locations.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

The house band drums intensify, a violin cries and guitar chords growl.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026

Only after the first Polynesian settlers had exterminated moas and decimated seal populations on New Zealand, and exterminated or decimated seabirds and land birds on other Polynesian islands, did they intensify their food production.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

Vocabulary lists containing intensify

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