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.

Bovino’s aggressive tactics sparked intense opposition from Angelenos, including those gathered in the streets in front of the sprawling federal office complex in downtown Los Angeles on June 9.

From Salon • Apr. 15, 2026

"It was an intense match between two teams who played really good football," said PSG head coach Luis Enrique.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

Building a castell requires intense tactile cooperation, triggering fear and embarrassment, and dismantling professional hierarchies.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

This leads to sudden and intense episodes of pain, swelling, and inflammation.

From Science Daily • Apr. 14, 2026

No one seems to question the urge of these women to form intense friendships, though, or to explore more deeply what those friendships might mean.

From "A Thousand Sisters" by Elizabeth Wein

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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