Definitions

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.

The other major worry for investors is Super Micro’s single-digit profit margin, which the company has struggled to grow due to higher costs and intense competition from peers such as Dell.

From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026

Cancer drugs have been one of the hottest areas for the pharmaceutical industry, generating massive sales and fueling intense competition for deals.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

The catcalls came after frustrated ticketholders waited for hours in lines that stretched more than two blocks outside Madison Square Garden on Monday due to the intense security restrictions that came with the president's appearance.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

“Alice and Steve” also required her to do a few stunts in a series of intense scenes toward the end of the series, which Walker found exhilarating and worrisome.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

“Well, not the goal itself. Or the whole intense battle with Jonah. But—the fact that you put yourself out there and don’t hide what you’re going for. You own it.”

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison

Vocabulary lists containing intense

Tier 2 Words for the SBAC ELA Items

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The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 4

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The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone

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