heightens

verb

present tense third-person singular of heighten
1
as in intensifies
to make markedly greater in measure or degree several controversial measures have heightened parental awareness of the impact of school policy decisions

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in lifts
to move from a lower to a higher place or position heightened the hem on her skirt just a couple of inches

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of heightens The ironic juxtaposition between Christmas cheer and bloody terror heightens the stakes. — Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026 The fact that his fellow NYC indie veterans Steve Buscemi and Giancarlo Esposito show up in supporting roles as well only heightens the throwback vibe. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 29 Oct. 2026 As with his previous films, Iñárritu tells his story using scenes out of order so that the pieces fall together in a jagged form that heightens the tension. — Ray Bennett, HollywoodReporter, 27 Oct. 2026 That heightens the stakes for chairman Warsh, who has expressed a preference for fewer words at a time when investors may prefer clearer communication. — Sarah Min, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026 The diamond-set is further enhanced by the two cultured pearls, with a design that heightens sculpture and lightness. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026 Subverting the unassuming realism of the city with the twisted unreality of this level design not only heightens the uncanny factor but also unlocks more design creativity. — Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 18 Sep. 2026 These demands are not likely to ease as football becomes more obsessed with physicality, so, from an Arsenal perspective, the importance of not overloading their right-backs only heightens. — Art De Roché, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026 Born to rule the room, Mars in Leo heightens our visibility and confidence in leadership roles, which is a reminder to turn up the sparkle and embrace your personal brand. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heightens
  1. intensifies
  2. lifts
  3. enhances
  4. elevates
  5. deepens
  6. raises
  7. strengthens
  8. uplifts
Verb
  • The dispute unfolds as Russia intensifies attacks across Ukraine and as Kyiv presses Western allies for more interceptors, while new diplomatic efforts seek to end the war.
    — Derek Gatopoulos, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
  • If the war with Iran intensifies again, foreign executives will be reluctant to even visit Saudi Arabia, let alone invest in it.
    — Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of intensifies
Verb
  • Raymond James lifts Macom to outperform from market perform Raymond James says buy the dip.
    — Michael Bloom, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The lid can be opened with one hand from either side or lifts off completely with two, and a shoulder strap is included for carrying.
    — Editors of Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of lifts
Verb
  • Advance also introduces new dark, rich indigo shades with a white core, which enhances chip effects for dynamic highs and lows after the wash.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Its Digital Strategy, launched in 2023, aims to digitalise all aspects of life in the emirate and establish a system that enhances the digital economy.
    — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of enhances
Verb
  • That production is the wrinkle that elevates Seventhirty’s lyrics from modern dating podcast material to pure melodrama.
    — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Alongside the mainline collection, a premium NY block pack elevates an archival jogging suit from the ‘80s for the contemporary moment.
    — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of elevates
Verb
  • Nurphoto | Nurphoto | Getty Images China's benchmark CSI 300 index on Thursday entered bear-market territory, falling 20% from its June peak, as a prolonged sell-off in its equities deepens.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026
  • As Carson and Rapp’s search for Henry deepens, Yaga cuts a jagged (though, at this point, well-trod by shows like Hulu’s Furious or even Netflix’s East of Eden) path through themes of wealth, male entitlement, female rage and the purpose of myth.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of deepens
Verb
  • That raises practical questions about safety and accessibility, along with concerns about jobs.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Meanwhile, deadly Russian attacks continue, as Ukraine raises concerns about cracks in support from the US.
    — Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of raises
Verb
  • Temperatures will begin climbing Thursday again as the upper-level ridge strengthens and warmer air spreads into the northeast.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Lula’s victory strengthens Brazil’s role as a counterweight to Washington, but both governments have reasons to cooperate on trade, security and Brazil’s vast critical-mineral reserves.
    — Isabel Debre, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of strengthens
Verb
  • The base incentive rate for qualifying film and television projects is 5% to 25% depending on in-state spend (a minimum of $250,000), with uplifts possible.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Venus will also be in harmony with lucky Jupiter, which uplifts the energetic atmosphere with joy, charm and possibility.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of uplifts

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heightening
heightens
heights
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Cite this Entry

“Heightens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heightens. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

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