Crossword Genius

Intensity in United game almost exploded (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

magnitude

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'intensity' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for magnitude that I've seen before include "Relative importance" , "Dimensions" , "(A star's) brightness" , "Eating mud (anag.)" , "Largeness or size" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent and The Sun.
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