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.

Any life that may have existed there in the past, or could exist today or in the future, would need to survive intense environmental stress.

From Science Daily • Apr. 12, 2026

Attacks against energy infrastructure in Iran were most intense during the second and third weeks of the conflict, as well as during the week of the ceasefire announcement.

From Barron's • Apr. 11, 2026

Professional victim support is essential and "can sometimes even be a matter of life and death" due to the shame, intense fear, despair and constant pressure being so overwhelming.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

Automakers have had a torrid time as they contend with a muted transition to electric vehicles, U.S. tariffs and a tough Chinese market characterized by intense competition and a new luxury tax policy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

The pawnbroker looked at it from various angles, and after a minute of intense inspection said, “I can do one fifty for pawn,” the pawnbroker said.

From "Healer of the Water Monster" by Brian Young

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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