heightens

verb

present tense third-person singular of heighten
1
as in intensifies
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 lifts
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 heightens Cinematographer Kim Ji-yong’s camera never intrudes, lending grace and honesty to the character studies, while Jung Jae-il’s ravishing piano and string score heightens the emotions without becoming manipulative. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2026 With a hot war raging in Ukraine, these journalists don’t want to ask for anyone’s sympathy, which in turn heightens their alienation and frustration. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026 Ma, like Lucas, evokes dreamlike scenography that heightens and shifts emotion through enveloping atmospheres. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026 That reach has made the company an increasingly important link between farms and some of America's biggest food companies, and heightens the risk of food safety problems spreading. — Brandon Gomez, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026 Remember, Virgo wants facts, systems and practical solutions, while Pisces heightens our intuition, compassion and spirituality. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026 The move heightens pressure on Infantino, who is facing growing calls to resign, though Saudi Arabia’s soccer federation backed him on Thursday. — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 27 Aug. 2026 The herpes virus that causes chickenpox and shingles also heightens the risk of cardiovascular disease, research has shown, so better protection from Shingrix than Zostavax could help. — Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 26 Aug. 2026 New figures show nearly two-thirds believe AI heightens the need for human discussion, a figure that jumps to 82% for critical decisions. — Alison Coleman, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heightens
  1. intensifies
  2. lifts
  3. enhances
  4. elevates
  5. deepens
  6. raises
  7. strengthens
  8. uplifts
Verb
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky pressed the delegation and European advisors for Patriot air defenses, a winter support package and long-term security guarantees as Russia intensifies drone strikes across Ukrainian cities.
    — Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The Grand Canyon’s vast, mile-deep landscape may appear timeless, but two devastating disasters have recently struck the iconic natural wonder as the climate crisis intensifies extreme weather.
    — Chris Boyette, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of intensifies
Verb
  • Its auto-empty dock holds weeks of debris without manual intervention, while intelligent carpet detection automatically lifts the mop pad to keep rugs dry.
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Meta's $18 billion social media settlement lifts a legal overhang that some analysts said could clear the way for a wave of new AI product launches.
    — Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of lifts
Verb
  • Most of us love the ways technology enhances our connection with family, friends and colleagues in ways once unimaginable.
    — Nadine Hack, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Adding water inside the aluminum eggs further enhances the armor’s performance.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of enhances
Verb
  • Andrew Perloff and Paul Pabst assess the threat level for the teams in the AFC East, discussing how much Geno Smith elevates the Jets and how the Patriots' schedule affects their ceiling.
    — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 10 Sep. 2026
  • What truly elevates a stay in Malta, however, is access to exclusive experiences that connect guests to island culture and traditions.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of elevates
Verb
  • The measure targets Central Valley and Central Coast lands facing strict groundwater pumping limits, offering a lifeline for growers as climate change deepens droughts.
    — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • This is the rare prequel that deepens and complicates the world of the original — and the rare lower-budget sequel that manages to look and sound great years later.
    — Jesse Hassenger, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of deepens
Verb
  • An Indian institution that’s built its operations around a foreign foundation model has no real recourse if that vendor raises prices, withdraws the model, hits new export restrictions or gets caught in a geopolitical dispute over chip access.
    — Sajal Singh, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Israel, like many countries, raises money by selling bonds to investors, who then receive repayments with interest after a specified time period.
    — Sharon Udasin, Sun Sentinel, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of raises
Verb
  • Personalized recognition builds trust, strengthens belonging and creates cultures where people choose to do their best work.
    — Candy Fernandez, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The additional crew also strengthens Folsom’s ability to work with neighboring agencies, including the El Dorado Hills Fire Department and Cal Fire, on wildfires and other major incidents, Lawlor said.
    — Haley Parsley, Sacbee.com, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of strengthens
Verb
  • Tennesse’s core film and TV production incentive is a 25% rebate on eligible expenses in the state, with uplifts possible, on a minimum spend of $500,000.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Venus will also be in harmony with lucky Jupiter, which uplifts the energetic atmosphere with joy, charm and possibility.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of uplifts

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heightening
heightens
heights
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Cite this Entry

“Heightens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heightens. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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