Synonyms of heightening

heightening 1 of 2

noun

as in strengthening

Related Words

• strengthening
• increase
• enhancement
• amelioration
• upturn
• uplift
• upswing
• boost
• advance
• breakthrough
• evolution
• maturation
• refinement
• advancement
• growth
• development
• betterment
• melioration
• quantum leap
• ripening
• elaboration
• expansion
• upgrade
• uptrend
• education
• enlightenment
• edification
• gestation
• revival
• perfection
• renaissance
• civilization
• find
• innovation
• windfall
• discovery
• renascence
• invention

Dissimilar Words

• breakdown
• collapse
• decrease
• crash
• reduction
• hindrance
• impediment
• weakening
• lessening
• deterioration
• worsening
• failing
• sinking
• decay
• decline
• stumbling block
• lapse
• slowing
• degeneration
• detriment
• decadence
• impairment
• downgrade
• descent
• drawback
• flagging
• declension
• shortcoming
• diminishment
• glitch
• disablement
• ebbing
• setback
• languishment

heightening

2 of 2

verb

present participle of heighten

1

as in intensifying

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

• intensifying
• deepening
• enhancing
• strengthening
• consolidating
• reinforcing
• amplifying
• accentuating
• boosting
• broadening
• sharpening
• expanding
• stepping up
• emphasizing
• augmenting
• magnifying
• redoubling
• extending
• lengthening
• accelerating
• enlarging
• enforcing
• maximizing
• beefing (up)
• stressing
• supplementing
• amping (up)
• hastening
• quickening
• pointing (up)
• exacerbating
• aggravating
• enlivening
• restrengthening
• jazzing (up)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reducing
• decreasing
• moderating
• diminishing
• lessening
• weakening
• abating
• subduing
• waning
• receding
• subsiding
• dwindling
• alleviating
• tapering (off)
• easing
• toning (down)
• lightening
• letting up (on)

2

as in lifting

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

• lifting
• raising
• elevating
• boosting
• upping
• hoisting
• upholding
• uplifting
• heaving
• craning
• hiking
• rising
• mounting
• taking up
• jacking (up)
• ascending
• upraising
• hefting
• perking (up)
• picking up
• rearing
• upending

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lowering
• falling
• dropping
• descending
• slipping
• pushing
• plunging
• dipping
• pressing
• bearing
• pitching
• sinking
• depressing
• submerging

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of heightening

Noun

It all sticks — every Dutch angle, inventively silly camera placement, and enthusiastic heightening of high-noon suspense. — James Grebey, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2026

Lighting designer Esquire Jauchem softens and brightens above and around the ever-moving Rubinstein as topics and memories call for the heightening and muting of the president’s feelings and emotions. — Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 20 Jan. 2026

Just a day later, Neptune retrograde shifts into Pisces, heightening intuition and deepening emotional awareness with entirely new depth. — Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025

Verb

The stars are shining brightly on you, heightening your popularity and exuberance. — Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026

The editing rhythms are clipped and almost metronomically precise; individual scenes feel less composed than synthesized from an array of swift, gestural fragments—a hand on a doorknob, a face at the window—which have the effect of heightening your attention. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 26 June 2026

Meanwhile, more companies are laying off workers and investing in AI instead, heightening concerns about the technology's impact on jobs. — Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 25 June 2026

Like its predecessor 30 Rock, that constant patter defines the show’s tone by heightening its world into near absurdity, all while remaining grounded in the emotional realities of its characters. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 19 June 2026

The president, who has repeatedly described himself as a Knicks fan, had attended Game 3, prompting heightening security concerns and extra security measures for attendees. — Mark Morales, CNN Money, 18 June 2026

The gameplay will feel smooth and tactile, heightening your immersion. — George Yang, PC Magazine, 11 June 2026

Tones of silver as well as green and red added further contrast to the tone of the dress while heightening the whimsical aesthetic. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 10 June 2026

Today's top stories Israel and Iran committed yesterday to stop attacking each other, just hours after exchanging missile fire and heightening tensions across the Middle East. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 9 June 2026