1
as in to intensify
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to lift
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 heighten
The announcement ends heightened speculation in recent days that the longtime Democrat would soon announce her intention to draw her congressional career to a close after 38 years.
—
Cnn.com, Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2025
Blue Cowboy’s pairing of Cale’s narrator and Will the cowboy — so handsome, so soulful, so repressed as to be nearly fantastical — heightens your awareness of the class and political divides at play.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2025
The emphasis on a candidate's identity was particularly heightened in this race -- something that has been embraced by Mamdani's campaign and supporters, but attacked by his opponents.
—Emily Chang, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2025
The low humidity combine with wind gusts early next week has heightened the possibility of wildfires in the Central and Northern Mountains and the Piedmont, the National Weather Service says.
—Mark Price
november 5, Charlotte Observer, 5 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for heighten
Cnn.com, Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2025
Blue Cowboy’s pairing of Cale’s narrator and Will the cowboy — so handsome, so soulful, so repressed as to be nearly fantastical — heightens your awareness of the class and political divides at play.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2025
The emphasis on a candidate's identity was particularly heightened in this race -- something that has been embraced by Mamdani's campaign and supporters, but attacked by his opponents.
—Emily Chang, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2025
The low humidity combine with wind gusts early next week has heightened the possibility of wildfires in the Central and Northern Mountains and the Piedmont, the National Weather Service says.
—Mark Price
november 5, Charlotte Observer, 5 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for heighten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heighten
Verb
-
For immigration advocates in the Bay Area, Good’s death has intensified long-standing concerns about intimidation and retaliation against those who monitor federal agents.—
Robert Salonga,
Mercury News,
9 Jan. 2026
-
The chaos intensified after someone threw a snowball.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Once the polish is fully dry and hardened, use a credit card or your fingers to lift under the blob and break it off.—
Emily Benda Gaylord,
The Spruce,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Matthew Stafford threw a 19-yard go-ahead touchdown pass to Colby Parkinson with 38 seconds to lift the Los Angeles Rams to a dramatic 34-31 wild-card round win over the Carolina Panthers in the opening game of the NFL playoffs on Saturday.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Titanium dioxide materials and high-refractive-index lenses further enhance light absorption.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Jan. 2026
-
These features are further enhanced by technology that adapts to individual preferences, such as smart shower controls and lighting systems tailored to each user.—
Kristina McGuirk,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
All of the adults in the study had elevated LDL cholesterol levels despite being on a stable course of lipid-lowering therapy like statins for 30 days or more.—
Jacqueline Howard,
CNN Money,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Professional interior designers will often turn to HomeGoods in search of affordable yet stylish finds that will elevate any room.—
Sarah Lyon,
Southern Living,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Congress members’ own backgrounds, largely shaped by selective public and private universities, only deepen the disconnect.—
Yolanda Watson Spiva,
Fortune,
8 Nov. 2025
-
This experience has deepened my faith and commitment to working for His kingdom as a true follower of Jesus Christ.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Someone who is unable to work in mainstream punditry because his face no longer fits, but is determined to raise standards among those who do as an outside agitator.—
Greg O'Keeffe,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Yet Tapestry—the parent company of Coach—said Gen Z now accounts for roughly 35% of its new customers, helping the brand beat Wall Street expectations and raise its full-year forecast.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
That voice continued to echo during Tuesday’s meeting as environmental advocates are moving to strengthen the Marine Protected Area network and coastlines.—
Chaewon Chung
Updated January 6,
Sacbee.com,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Even short bouts of moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, can lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, boost mood and strengthen the heart.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN Money,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
From career milestones to new music releases to major announcements and those little important moments, Billboard editors highlight uplifting moments in Latin music.—
Jessica Roiz,
Billboard,
8 Nov. 2025
-
The speakers will also be able to present their emerging voices and projects, as well as offer insights and inspiration from creators who have been able to uplift aging, disability and care in their storytelling.—
Katherine Schaffstall,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Heighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heighten. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share