intensity

noun

in·​ten·​si·​ty in-ˈten(t)-sə-tē How to pronounce intensity (audio)
plural intensities
Synonyms of intensity
1
: the quality or state of being intense
especially : extreme degree of strength, force, energy, or feeling
2
: the magnitude of a quantity (such as force or energy) per unit (as of area, charge, mass, or time)
3
: saturation sense 4a

Synonyms of intensity

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Examples of intensity in a Sentence

the intensity of the sun's rays the intensity of the argument The sun shone with great intensity.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The overall experience for me has been one of pressure-washing my teeth, with an intensity that my gums do not enjoy. — Jenny Bailly, Allure, 1 Sep. 2026 Eat 30 grams of protein within the first 30 minutes of waking, then follow it with 30 minutes of low-intensity cardio. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 31 Aug. 2026 Amid a national cinema that has become internationally recognized for perverse plotting and deadpan absurdism, writer-director Alexis Alexiou‘s third feature stands out for its stark storytelling and earnest emotional intensity. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 30 Aug. 2026 The star slugger has been able to increase the intensity of baseball activities over the last week, and especially in the last few days. — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intensity

Word History

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of intensity was in 1665

Phrases Containing intensity

Rhymes for intensity

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Browse Nearby Words

intensitometer
intensity
intensity modulation
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Cite this Entry

“Intensity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intensity. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

intensity

noun
in·​ten·​si·​ty in-ˈten(t)-sət-ē How to pronounce intensity (audio)
plural intensities
1
: the quality or state of being intense
especially : extreme strength, force, or feeling
2
: the degree or amount of a quality or condition
the intensity of an electric field

Medical Definition

intensity

noun
in·​ten·​si·​ty in-ˈten(t)-sət-ē How to pronounce intensity (audio)
plural intensities
1
: the quality or state of being intense
especially : extreme degree of strength, force, energy, or feeling
2
: the magnitude of a quantity (as force or energy) per unit (as of surface, charge, mass, or time)
3
: saturation sense 4a

More from Merriam-Webster on intensity

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about intensity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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