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
The initiative, called Safe City, Dangerous Roads, will heighten law enforcement presence throughout Tarrant County’s roadway system, Waybourn said.
—
Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Oct. 2025
The uncertainty and high stakes surrounding major events like natural disasters and election outcomes often leave people feeling powerless, which can heighten anxiety—especially when they’re personally impacted.
—Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 29 Oct. 2025
Sticky candies, on the other hand—like Twizzlers and Starbursts—stay on the teeth longer, heightening the risk of cavities.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 28 Oct. 2025
The smaller field heightens the importance of precision, especially for a team missing its most creative players.
—Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for heighten
Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Oct. 2025
The uncertainty and high stakes surrounding major events like natural disasters and election outcomes often leave people feeling powerless, which can heighten anxiety—especially when they’re personally impacted.
—Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 29 Oct. 2025
Sticky candies, on the other hand—like Twizzlers and Starbursts—stay on the teeth longer, heightening the risk of cavities.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 28 Oct. 2025
The smaller field heightens the importance of precision, especially for a team missing its most creative players.
—Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for heighten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heighten
Verb
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Violence has intensified, humanitarian aid remains blocked, and political prisoners, including my mother, remain behind bars.—
Kim Aris,
Time,
7 Nov. 2025
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Yet even among a number of Christians seeking to raise awareness and intensify efforts to put an end to systematic abuses committed by Boko Haram and other jihadi movements, the prospect of foreign intervention raises serious concerns.—
Tom O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Expedia lifted its forecast for full-year revenue growth sharply, thanks in part to 26% quarterly growth in the business-to-business travel division that Gorin ran before becoming CEO.—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
7 Nov. 2025
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The plane, an MD-11, lifted off the runway and gained enough altitude to clear a fence at the end of the runway, Inman said during a previous news conference.—
Ray Padilla,
Louisville Courier Journal,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Since 2019, California has partnered with jurisdictions in 28 countries—touching more than a quarter of the world’s population, with a combined GDP in the tens of trillions of dollars—to cut greenhouse gases, enhance climate resilience and develop clean energy.—
MSNBC Newsweek,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
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The stretchy cuffs help lock in heat, while the palm side has grip-enhancing rubber details.—
Nicol Natale,
PEOPLE,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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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
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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
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Congress members’ own backgrounds, largely shaped by selective public and private universities, only deepen the disconnect.—
Yolanda Watson Spiva,
Fortune,
8 Nov. 2025
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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
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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
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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
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Perhaps witnessing that transformation strengthens its usefulness to others.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 Nov. 2025
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Both coalitions align African foundations and businesses to coordinate investments, champion learning as an economic priority, and strengthen delivery through their influence and capabilities.—
Obiageli Ezekwesili,
semafor.com,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
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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
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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 9 Nov. 2025.
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