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.

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

“When we look at that really intense seller’s market that we had when rates were very low and homes were moving very quickly, sellers didn’t have to necessarily do those types of things,” Lautz said.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

"It was noted that intense military action is leading to serious negative consequences not only regionally but also globally, including in the areas of energy, trade, and logistics," it added.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Quick cuts between Charlie, Mike and Rachel suggest their admissions are intense but relatively innocuous — things that can be laughed off and chalked up to childhood immaturity.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

We have been warned about that in briefings, along with frostbite, wind, whiteouts, wind, intense cold, and finally, wind.

From "Woodsong" by Gary Paulsen

intense

Example Sentences

Related Words