as in strengthening
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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 heightening
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
Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 29 Jan. 2026
Luxury and drama were key qualities of the presentation, with Gupta heightening bridal style with lavish designs.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 28 Jan. 2026
As a result, sewage blockages and overflows became widespread, increasing the risk of wastewater contaminating drinking water sources and heightening the likelihood of outbreaks of diarrhea, hepatitis A and other waterborne diseases in an already vulnerable community.
—Sarah Ferguson, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
The fire and brimstone nature of both fixtures, played in potentially imposing and intimidating stadiums, carries the risk of heightening the level of a player’s tension, in turn hindering their concentration or ability to follow a plan.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026
This morning, the emotional Moon harmonizes with expansive Jupiter, heightening our empathy toward others.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 22 Jan. 2026
Each of the four contenders is responsible for a major Disney business unit, heightening fears that one or more of the unsuccessful candidates will depart — leaving a big void.
—Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 20 Jan. 2026
Colina said detainees from Germán’s facility are often transferred during early-morning hours — frequently to Mexico — heightening fears that removal could already be under way.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 17 Jan. 2026
Power prices have risen above the pace of overall inflation, heightening complaints about the cost of energy and other essentials.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 14 Jan. 2026
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
Neptune is already here, heightening your sensitivity to environments, tasks, and expectations that drain you.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 29 Jan. 2026
Luxury and drama were key qualities of the presentation, with Gupta heightening bridal style with lavish designs.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 28 Jan. 2026
As a result, sewage blockages and overflows became widespread, increasing the risk of wastewater contaminating drinking water sources and heightening the likelihood of outbreaks of diarrhea, hepatitis A and other waterborne diseases in an already vulnerable community.
—Sarah Ferguson, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
The fire and brimstone nature of both fixtures, played in potentially imposing and intimidating stadiums, carries the risk of heightening the level of a player’s tension, in turn hindering their concentration or ability to follow a plan.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026
This morning, the emotional Moon harmonizes with expansive Jupiter, heightening our empathy toward others.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 22 Jan. 2026
Each of the four contenders is responsible for a major Disney business unit, heightening fears that one or more of the unsuccessful candidates will depart — leaving a big void.
—Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 20 Jan. 2026
Colina said detainees from Germán’s facility are often transferred during early-morning hours — frequently to Mexico — heightening fears that removal could already be under way.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 17 Jan. 2026
Power prices have risen above the pace of overall inflation, heightening complaints about the cost of energy and other essentials.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 14 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heightening
Noun
-
It’s formulated with rosemary, mint, biotin, jojoba oil, and other essential oils for a fresh scent and impactful strengthening and growth.—
Olivia Dubyak,
InStyle,
1 Feb. 2026
-
It is highly valued for scalable, high-volume production, particularly in energy storage and composite strengthening.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The guidance was a sharp contrast to rival Novo Nordisk A/S, which warned investors Tuesday that its sales could drop as much as 13% this year on intensifying price competition in the weight loss market.—
Bloomberg Wire,
Dallas Morning News,
4 Feb. 2026
-
Declining advertising revenue and intensifying competition have pushed companies to accelerate cost-cutting moves and restructure plans across the industry.—
Suzy Khimm,
NBC news,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Takaichi has pledged to revise security and defense policies by December to bolster Japan’s offensive military capabilities, lifting a ban on weapons exports and moving further away from the country’s postwar pacifist principles.—
Mari Yamaguchi,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Chip and Kasinee Tolman begin each day by lifting their two adult children out of bed and into their wheelchairs.—
Michael Cuglietta,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
For 17 consecutive months now, the country has seen a year-on-year increase in monthly births, according to the latest figures released in January.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
-
The company’s financial results were buoyed by strong performances from Taco Bell and KFC, which saw same-store sales increase by 7% and 3% in the fourth quarter, respectively.—
Iris Kwok,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Economic growth fueled by foreign borrowing created an illusion of stability that concealed deepening structural decay.—
Alejandro Reyes,
Washington Post,
3 Feb. 2026
-
The sherry ties everything together, deepening the fruit and caramel notes without overpowering.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
2 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The agent is seen raising the pepper spray can, pointing it towards the crowd in what looked to be an attempt to keep them at a distance.—
Gio Insignares,
CBS News,
5 Feb. 2026
-
In an email to The Times, Newsom spokesperson Tara Gallegos said the governor had a strong record of fighting for workers’ rights, including raising the minimum wage and expanding sick leave and other worker protections.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
In exchange for not experiencing the thrill and excitement of watching a football game in person, those of us at home will get the benefit of experiencing the game with a few technological enhancements.—
Jason Corso,
Fortune,
8 Feb. 2026
-
The upgrade will include multiple enhancements to the customer experience and once implemented, Coloradans can expect a new option for a streamlined user experience.—
Jennifer McRae,
CBS News,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Steelside Lismore Shoe Storage Cabinet A little decluttering can go a long way in enhancing your home.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Feb. 2026
-
But the switch had bigger implications beyond enhancing the story.—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Heightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heightening. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
