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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 Cash-rich mega-cap tech firms remain relatively insulated, whereas data centers, AI infrastructure projects, and early-stage startups that rely heavily on continuous external funding face significantly heightened financial strain. — CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026 Speculation over possible changes to this year’s Qatar and Abu Dhabi races heightened this week as Formula 2, which is due to support F1 in both venues, added an extra race to its schedule next week in Azerbaijan. — ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026 Sandra may be the only professional actress, but April and Diane are equally dramatic — and if Paulson, Watts and Wiest’s performances seem consequently heightened, that’s by design. — Natalia Winkelman, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026 If tensions heighten with an adversary, for example, the United States could model potential attacks on its own grid to figure out which vulnerabilities, if exploited, would wreak the most havoc. — Anne Neuberger, Foreign Affairs, 15 Sep. 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
  • Global diplomacy takes center stage in New York this week, highlighted by talks between the US and Chinese leaders, even as global conflict looks set to intensify.
    — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 21 Sep. 2026
  • The victory improved Texas to 3-0, but this season's challenge will intensify next week when the Longhorns open Southeastern Conference play.
    — Chantz Martin OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of intensify
Verb
  • When strands are dry or damaged, the cuticle lifts and starts pulling water from the air, which is why the same head of hair can look glossy in January and a halo of static by August.
    — Valeriya Chupinina, Vogue, 22 Sep. 2026
  • That will help lift the local content in CEER cars from around 18% to 45% by 2034.
    — Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of lift
Verb
  • Enduring principles can be enhanced by the essential replenishment of ideas — notions that might seem to contradict but that also sure can live in harmony.
    — Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 19 Sep. 2026
  • The project is designed to improve reliability, reduce maintenance requirements, enhance worker safety, and extend the facility’s operational life.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of enhance
Verb
  • Go Green tours allow passengers to learn the ways local communities and industries endeavor to conserve, sustain, and elevate their environments.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Those themes may not dominate her lyrical approach, but their presence provides a headier energy that grounds the album and elevates it a few steps above merely a consistent Afropop LP.
    — Kyle Denis, Billboard, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of elevate
Verb
  • In an interview conducted Friday by The Associated Press from outside Iran, Mohammadi said Iranians are grappling with multiple crises stemming from the ongoing war and deepening economic pressure.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Sep. 2026
  • In an interview conducted Friday by The Associated Press from outside Iran, Mohammadi said that Iranians are grappling with multiple crises stemming from the ongoing war and deepening economic pressure, and the brutal crackdowns on protests.
    — Amir-Hussein Radjy, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of deepen
Verb
  • Behind the scenes, former Pentagon officials described a rush to strike the deals that raised concerns about due diligence, which were heightened when a deal with rare earths startup Reelement faltered.
    — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 21 Sep. 2026
  • The ban has already raised questions on how the news media and the public will be able to monitor the president’s activities.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of raise
Verb
  • The National Weather Service said Tropical Storm Nolo would likely strengthen before closing in on the Big Island on Friday or Saturday.
    — MEGAN JANETSKY, Arkansas Online, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The company said the project is intended to strengthen its position in Europe’s automotive and electric mobility supply chain.
    — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of strengthen
Verb
  • The bold colors and florals mimic nature to uplift your outfit (and maybe even your mood).
    — Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2026
  • So much of my own personal experience outside of acting has been uplifted and really just made so much better because of the women in my life.
    — Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of uplift

Browse Nearby Words

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 26 Sep. 2026.

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