intense

[in-tens] / ɪnˈtɛns /

ADJECTIVE

forceful, severe; passionate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

acute bitter deep energetic excessive extraordinary extreme fierce great harsh heightened intensified intensive powerful profound protracted sharp strong violent vivid

WEAK

agonizing all-consuming ardent biting burning close concentrated consuming cutting diligent eager earnest exaggerated exceptional exquisite fanatical fervent fervid forcible full hard impassioned keen marked piercing pungent shrill stinging strained supreme undue vehement zealous

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aboveboard agreeable bland blunt calm dull gentle ignorant indistinct kind lazy low mild moderate nice pale peaceful shallow slow soft stupid superficial unimportant unintelligent weak

WEAK

low-key

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.

Nuclear and fusion systems also expose equipment to intense heat.

From Science Daily • Apr. 7, 2026

After intense winter rains, March brought heat and a dry spell.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

"Even when things happened that were intense we kept it in because we made a deal."

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

Competition to invest in the best talent is intense, and that talent is increasingly younger.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

The afternoon sun is intense, and I slip into a daze, dreaming of cool water in which to bathe.

From "Across So Many Seas" by Ruth Behar