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

Haiti, the most impoverished country in the Western Hemisphere, has been hit the hardest by rising oil prices that experts warn will deepen a spiraling humanitarian crisis. —ABC News, 11 Apr. 2026

The appointment comes as Rapha continues to expand its global community of riders and Rapha Cycling Club (RCC) members and deepen its presence in competitive cycling. —Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 10 Apr. 2026

In Isfahan, that feeling deepened. —Barry Hoffner, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026

The tourist face of Cuba amid the crisis The incident comes amid a deepening tourism crisis on the island that has driven hotel occupancy sharply down, while the Cuban government tries to boost tourism with promotional campaigns and deals. —Miami Herald, 10 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