deepen

verb

deep·​en ˈdē-pən 

deepened; deepening ˈdē-pə-niŋ 

ˈdēp-niŋ

transitive verb

: to make deep or deeper

intransitive verb

: to become deeper or more profound

Synonyms of deepen

• intensify
• enhance
• heighten
• strengthen

Examples of deepen in a Sentence

They deepened the river so that larger boats could sail through.

Age had deepened the lines in his face.

The water deepens toward the center of the river.

Her powerful words deepened our commitment to the cause.

The vacation together deepened their relationship with each other.

The mystery was deepened by her silence.

This class will deepen your understanding of economics.

Living in the country's capital had deepened her knowledge of politics.

Recent Examples on the Web

His work deepened and developed under the responsiveness of the academy and a larger and not-yet-balkanized reading public. —Nick Laird, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026

With worker shortages deepening across the region, governments are running out of time. —Catherine Thorbecke, Twin Cities, 25 Apr. 2026

Mammoth bluffs followed by last-minute retreats only deepened perceptions of inconsistency, further eroding deterrence. —Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026

Researchers intend to study the Dresden hoard to deepen their understanding of how these developments impacted religious practices. —Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 25 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for deepen

• cheapen
• marzipan

Kids Definition

deepen

verb

deep·​en ˈdē-pən 

deepened; deepening ˈdēp-(ə-)niŋ 

: to make or become deep or deeper