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
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Recent Examples of heighten
Back-to-back cancellations of talk show staples like The Kelly Clarkson Show and Sherri have heightened fears that video podcasts are coming for traditional TV.
—
Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026
Although the world of the movie is heightened and beautifully garish, the romance is more grounded.
—Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
The result is a film less haunted than heightened, less gothic than erotic and curiously unmoored from time.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026
With the Big East Tournament only four weeks away and March Madness following soon after, the program’s sense of urgency was heightened after the major wake-up call at the Mecca.
—Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for heighten
Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026
Although the world of the movie is heightened and beautifully garish, the romance is more grounded.
—Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
The result is a film less haunted than heightened, less gothic than erotic and curiously unmoored from time.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026
With the Big East Tournament only four weeks away and March Madness following soon after, the program’s sense of urgency was heightened after the major wake-up call at the Mecca.
—Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for heighten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heighten
Verb
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Crisis intensifies Fuel shortages and blackouts have been intensifying in Cuba this month as the nation struggles to import oil for its power plants and refineries.—
Andrea Rodriguez,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
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This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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By Wednesday morning, the restrictions were suddenly lifted, leaving the city’s airport in confusion for several hours.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Feb. 2026
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Erewhon is pushing its wellness footprint further into aesthetics — starting with lip flips and brow lifts — as the lines between self care and cosmetic treatments continue to blur.—
Ryma Chikhoune,
Footwear News,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The research team aims to explore how the patches can enhance situational awareness and monitor exposure for military personnel in hazardous environments.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Feb. 2026
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Items such as candle sconces and decorative milagros add a touch of sparkle and enhance the mood.—
Abby Wolner,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Locally, that mindset can normalize police militarization, limit free expression and elevate private interests over the public.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
14 Feb. 2026
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Their playoff run ended in heartbreak (a 33-30 overtime loss to Denver), and the offseason brought major change, with Sean McDermott out and Joe Brady elevated.—
Pete Sweeney,
Kansas City Star,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Cuba’s energy crisis has deepened and daily blackouts sometimes last more than 24 hours at a time on some parts of the island.—
Nora Gamez Torres,
Miami Herald,
14 Feb. 2026
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These experiences deepen understanding, challenge assumptions, and help students connect Connecticut’s past and present in a more meaningful way.—
Letters to the Editor,
Hartford Courant,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The health care company also raised its forecast range for profit this fiscal year.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
6 Feb. 2026
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In the wake of Bad Bunny's halftime show selection in September, many critics raised concerns about a potential language barrier for English-language viewers.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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PSyn supports that work by helping health plans and employer groups strengthen benefit strategy through education, practical analysis, and operational guidance grounded in real-world pharmacy experience.—
Lyssanoel Frater,
USA Today,
13 Feb. 2026
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Every morning, seahorses greet their other half by performing a rhythmic dance that can last minutes or even hours to strengthen their bond.—
K. R. Callaway,
Scientific American,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Gap’s partnership has supported HFR’s mission to uplift emerging Black and Brown designers and build a more equitable industry through educational programs, industry events and investments.—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
11 Feb. 2026
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In the 1960s, The Windham Foundation (a philanthropic organization dedicated to preserving and uplifting rural life in Vermont) restored the property and company—in turn, the massive project revitalized the town.—
Megan Margulies,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Heighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heighten. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
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