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
Relevance
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
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Recent Examples of heightens
The ad was shot on vintage tube cameras from the '80s, giving it a tactile, analog feel that heightens the retro disco energy.
—
Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 2026
Spending time in nature reduces stress, improves memory, and heightens creativity.
—Kylie Petty, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Jan. 2026
Throughout his nearly two-year Love On Tour, Styles’ live band became part of his showman persona; their absence heightens the song’s melancholy and intimacy.
—Heven Haile, Pitchfork, 23 Jan. 2026
Venus moving into Aquarius heightens your magnetism.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 17 Jan. 2026
The council will then decide which proposals, if any, advance to the ballot — a step critics say further heightens the need for transparency at the commission level.
—Teresa Liu, Daily News, 17 Jan. 2026
The single and music video, which features David Foster on piano and The Christ Church Choir on background vocals, further heightens the original’s uplifting essence.
—Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 16 Jan. 2026
Mangold has a showy falsetto that heightens Noah’s vulnerable longing, but the duets with Cheers’ Allie aren’t lyrically sophisticated enough to provide the relationship with much depth.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026
Companies have been bolstering identity security defenses as AI heightens the sophistication of cyberattacks.
—Samantha Subin, CNBC, 8 Jan. 2026
Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 2026
Spending time in nature reduces stress, improves memory, and heightens creativity.
—Kylie Petty, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Jan. 2026
Throughout his nearly two-year Love On Tour, Styles’ live band became part of his showman persona; their absence heightens the song’s melancholy and intimacy.
—Heven Haile, Pitchfork, 23 Jan. 2026
Venus moving into Aquarius heightens your magnetism.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 17 Jan. 2026
The council will then decide which proposals, if any, advance to the ballot — a step critics say further heightens the need for transparency at the commission level.
—Teresa Liu, Daily News, 17 Jan. 2026
The single and music video, which features David Foster on piano and The Christ Church Choir on background vocals, further heightens the original’s uplifting essence.
—Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 16 Jan. 2026
Mangold has a showy falsetto that heightens Noah’s vulnerable longing, but the duets with Cheers’ Allie aren’t lyrically sophisticated enough to provide the relationship with much depth.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026
Companies have been bolstering identity security defenses as AI heightens the sophistication of cyberattacks.
—Samantha Subin, CNBC, 8 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heightens
Verb
-
March’s lunar eclipse in Virgo — activating your fifth house of love and passion — intensifies attraction, desire and romantic chemistry, pushing you to take a risk or end a dynamic that no longer brings you joy.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Microsoft has introduced the Maia 200, its second-generation in-house AI chip, as competition intensifies around the cost of running large models.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Additionally, these leggings act as shapewear, featuring a contoured power waistband that provides core compression, lifts the backside, and provides an overall smoothing effect.—
Caroline Hughes,
Travel + Leisure,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Saturn leaving Pisces on February 13 lifts the heavy blanket of sorrow and exhaustion that’s been dampening your life force for the last three years, freeing you to unthaw a bit from the winter of your discontent.—
Steph Koyfman,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Heather Rose explains how living quietly enhances her writing.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Jan. 2026
-
More critically, this is another update where Apple enhances iOS 26.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The statement piece instantly elevates a boots-and-leggings combo, as evidenced by the above look.—
Amber Rambharose,
InStyle,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Normal People is a devastating series in the mold of classical Hollywood melodramas, outfitted with a superb cast that elevates the material at every turn.—
Declan Gallagher,
Entertainment Weekly,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Activist groups report over 6,200 deaths, while Iran’s currency continues plummeting to historic lows as the economic crisis deepens.—
Jon Gambrell,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Tuning out may feel easier — but silence only deepens the divide.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The strikes come as Kaiser raises costs for patients and health providers across California brace for tighter margins following cuts to federal health spending.—
Grant Stringer,
Mercury News,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Exercises like dead bugs, pike push-ups, leg raises and leg raise reaches are worth adding into the rotation.—
Helen Carefoot,
Flow Space,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Snow is expected to pile up in parts of the southern Appalachians, the Carolinas and southern Virginia late Friday night into Saturday as the storm rapidly strengthens offshore.—
Briana Waxman,
CNN Money,
30 Jan. 2026
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Consistent, moderate exercise strengthens the immune system and reduces the frequency and severity of common illnesses.—
Fred Sassani,
Austin American Statesman,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
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This could take the form of an especially enjoyable trip full of interesting conversations, a spiritual experience that uplifts you, or learning that stimulates your mind.—
Steph Koyfman,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Jan. 2026
-
For each of you talk about making music that uplifts because there are so many great jazz standards that have the point of lifting up the world.—
Steve Baltin,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Heightens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heightens. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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