as in strengthening
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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
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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
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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
Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026
At least three attacks have been recorded against health centers in Ituri province as residents protested stringent medical protocols that clashed with local burial rites, heightening the danger health workers face.
—ABC News, 28 May 2026
Germany’s gas grid operators are calling for sweeping changes to the way storage refills are encouraged, warning that stubbornly low inventory levels are heightening the risk of supply shortages ahead of winter.
—Petra Sorge, Bloomberg, 27 May 2026
The rollout has drawn scrutiny over traffic disruptions, safety investigations and incidents involving stalled or malfunctioning vehicles, while also heightening anxiety among some ride-hailing drivers about the future of their jobs.
—Leah Willingham, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2026
Around 2 million pilgrims are currently performing the hajj in Saudi Arabia, heightening the urgency of avoiding a return to conflict in order to ensure their safety.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 25 May 2026
A little water dramatically opens the flavor profile, heightening the sweetness and fruitiness.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026
In the meantime, the Ebola outbreak already has spread to multiple countries, and the virus has been detected in regions separated by hundreds of miles; cases have also been reported in some densely populated regions, heightening the risk for further spread.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 19 May 2026
Hotel rooms remain available, as do tickets to most games, heightening fans’ frustrations.
—Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 12 May 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
At the same time, the sun in Gemini will meet with Jupiter, heightening feelings of optimism, curiosity and the desire to grow beyond what’s familiar.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026
At least three attacks have been recorded against health centers in Ituri province as residents protested stringent medical protocols that clashed with local burial rites, heightening the danger health workers face.
—ABC News, 28 May 2026
Germany’s gas grid operators are calling for sweeping changes to the way storage refills are encouraged, warning that stubbornly low inventory levels are heightening the risk of supply shortages ahead of winter.
—Petra Sorge, Bloomberg, 27 May 2026
The rollout has drawn scrutiny over traffic disruptions, safety investigations and incidents involving stalled or malfunctioning vehicles, while also heightening anxiety among some ride-hailing drivers about the future of their jobs.
—Leah Willingham, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2026
Around 2 million pilgrims are currently performing the hajj in Saudi Arabia, heightening the urgency of avoiding a return to conflict in order to ensure their safety.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 25 May 2026
A little water dramatically opens the flavor profile, heightening the sweetness and fruitiness.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026
In the meantime, the Ebola outbreak already has spread to multiple countries, and the virus has been detected in regions separated by hundreds of miles; cases have also been reported in some densely populated regions, heightening the risk for further spread.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 19 May 2026
Hotel rooms remain available, as do tickets to most games, heightening fans’ frustrations.
—Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 12 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heightening
Noun
-
Ouchi recommends constant physical strengthening, specifically weight lifting.—
Adaira Landry,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
-
After adding my hair growth favorites to your cart, check out more of the brand's strengthening and growth-boosting formulas.—
Isabel Bekele,
InStyle,
26 May 2026
Verb
-
The outrage has reverberated across the country ahead of Wednesday's annual Ni Una Menos protest in downtown Buenos Aires, amplifying demands for government action and intensifying criticism of President Javier Milei.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 June 2026
-
The outrage has reverberated across the country ahead of Wednesday’s annual Ni Una Menos protest in downtown Buenos Aires, amplifying demands for government action and intensifying criticism of President Javier Milei.—
Isabel Debre,
Los Angeles Times,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
Japan has recently taken steps to expand its defense posture, including lifting its ban on lethal arms exports and mulling changes to Article 9 of its constitution, which renounces war and the maintenance of armed forces.—
Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
31 May 2026
-
Aside from these new big punchers, the new space age is seeing a plethora of new companies seeking to cut themselves a slice of the market for lifting small payloads, often in multi-satellite deployments, into low Earth orbit.—
David Szondy
May 31,
New Atlas,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
That was the largest increase in the plant’s more than 30-year history, records show.—
Jason Henry,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
-
Since 2019, the National Poison Data System has fielded a nearly 1,500% increase in calls related to overdoses or side effects from injectable weight loss drugs.—
Maia Rosenfeld,
NBC news,
29 May 2026
Verb
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That’s despite growing appeal as the oldest baby boomers are turning 80 this year and the United States faces a deepening shortage of home care aides, driven by low wages, high turnover and demanding workloads.—
Matt O’Brien,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2026
-
Housing costs have soared, deepening affordability worries and homelessness.—
Samantha Delouya,
CNN Money,
31 May 2026
Verb
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With the rebuilding ongoing Hart said Saturday’s gala is not just about raising funds, but also awareness.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
4 June 2026
-
Walking is exercise proven to help ward off anxiety, depression, dementia and Alzheimer’s, while improving self-esteem and raising dopamine levels.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
4 June 2026
Noun
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Anyone looking for lagoon enhancements a little sooner can watch for a smaller, separate restoration project coming from the Buena Vista Audubon Society.—
Phil Diehl,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 May 2026
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Importantly, the enhancement came without increasing average power, reducing the risk of thermal or structural damage.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
31 May 2026
Verb
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Miraval has long encouraged guests to limit or even forego their use of digital devices as a way of enhancing awareness of one’s surroundings and allowing moments for self-reflection and personal growth.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
3 June 2026
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Everything from enhancing local security, monitoring global threats and infectious disease data, and training with assistive technology to better accommodate fans.—
Juli McDonald,
CBS News,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Heightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heightening. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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