heighten

verb

ˈhī-tᵊn How to pronounce heighten (audio)
Definition of heightennext
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

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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 Guidance for parents notes that lingering can heighten a child’s worry, even when a parent means to reassure. — Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 10 Aug. 2026 The recent incidents, however, have heightened calls for a slowdown. — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026 When asked to name a passion that has heightened with age, Shatner cites staying alive. — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2026 The down-ballot race comes as insurers flee California, raise premiums and face backlash over wildfire claims, heightening stakes for homeowners, renters and businesses from Pacific Palisades to the San Francisco Bay Area. — Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for heighten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heighten
  1. intensify
  2. lift
  3. enhance
  4. elevate
  5. deepen
  6. raise
  7. strengthen
  8. uplift
Verb
  • The end of the men’s World Cup and subsequent drama at FIFA (that keeps getting messier) have only intensified that feeling this year.
    — Emily Olsen, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The government has intensified firefighting efforts across Sumatra and Borneo islands, deploying more than 35 aircraft including water-bombing helicopters and patrol airplanes.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of intensify
Verb
  • Wednesday’s game pits French champions and Champions League winners PSG against Premier League side Villa, who lifted the Europa League courtesy of a 3-0 win over Freiburg.
    — Dean Jones, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026
  • He was then lifted for a pinch-hitter in the bottom of the seventh.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of lift
Verb
  • At West Ham, Fernandes enhanced his reputation as a player who can not only drive his team forward but also play a key role out of possession, defending on the front foot.
    — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Vuong’s photographs are displayed rather conventionally on the gallery walls, but the viewing experience is enhanced by images of his that have been printed on cloth banners that hang in the center of the space.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of enhance
Verb
  • His time in Congress runs counter to voters elevating fresher voices this year.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Such attention and admiration will only elevate to new, unseen levels following a night when Madjo broke out into the wider footballing public.
    — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of elevate
Verb
  • As China’s strategic rivalry with the US and its allies deepens, Beijing has broadened its anti-espionage campaign, casting suspicious eyes on foreign ties amid concerns about the leak of state secrets.
    — Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Savoring distinguishes itself from gratitude and mindfulness by actively deepening present joys.
    — Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of deepen
Verb
  • The lawmakers argue profiting off the suffering of others is wrong, while also raising concerns that wildfire betting could create a dangerous financial incentive.
    — Brady Halbleib, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • On Monday, passengers aboard Delta flight 591 going from Las Vegas to Atlanta allegedly spoofed the onboard Wi-Fi, raising the attention of federal law enforcement.
    — Cyrus Farivar, ArsTechnica, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of raise
Verb
  • However, the notion of the emperor’s divine origins strengthened during the Meiji era, when the concept of State Shinto arose.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The tropical storm is set to strengthen into a hurricane on approach to Hawaii’s Big Island this weekend.
    — Ben Noll, Washington Post, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of strengthen
Verb
  • Towle was one of many participants in the May 28 show, a collaboration between The Chemo Club, a community uplifting cancer warriors, and Post Swim, a brand for women who’ve undergone reconstructive surgery.
    — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The instruments and rhythms dance with Lenae’s sinuous vocals, nudging her into odd pockets, uplifting her notes.
    — Stephen Kearse, Pitchfork, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of uplift

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height
heighten
heightened
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Cite this Entry

“Heighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heighten. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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