Synonyms of heightens

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

• intensifies
• enhances
• deepens
• strengthens
• consolidates
• reinforces
• amplifies
• accentuates
• boosts
• sharpens
• broadens
• redoubles
• magnifies
• expands
• emphasizes
• steps up
• augments
• lengthens
• extends
• amps (up)
• accelerates
• maximizes
• enforces
• enlarges
• beefs (up)
• quickens
• hastens
• points (up)
• stresses
• exacerbates
• enlivens
• aggravates
• supplements
• restrengthens
• jazzes (up)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reduces
• decreases
• diminishes
• lessens
• weakens
• moderates
• tones (down)
• abates
• subdues
• recedes
• subsides
• wanes
• alleviates
• lightens
• eases
• tapers (off)
• dwindles
• lets up (on)

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

• lifts
• elevates
• raises
• uplifts
• boosts
• upholds
• ups
• hoists
• heaves
• perks (up)
• rises
• hikes
• takes up
• picks up
• ascends
• cranes
• jacks (up)
• hefts
• mounts
• upraises
• upends
• rears

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lowers
• drops
• falls
• descends
• plunges
• pushes
• dips
• slips
• depresses
• bears
• presses
• sinks
• pitches
• submerges

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of heightens

The diamond-set is further enhanced by the two cultured pearls, with a design that heightens sculpture and lightness. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026

Subverting the unassuming realism of the city with the twisted unreality of this level design not only heightens the uncanny factor but also unlocks more design creativity. — Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 18 Sep. 2026

These demands are not likely to ease as football becomes more obsessed with physicality, so, from an Arsenal perspective, the importance of not overloading their right-backs only heightens. — Art De Roché, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

The potentially catastrophic risks of things going wrong only heightens the sense of urgency. — Lora Kolodny,jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026

Born to rule the room, Mars in Leo heightens our visibility and confidence in leadership roles, which is a reminder to turn up the sparkle and embrace your personal brand. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2026

Volatile, headstrong, and brimming with wild-eyed passive-aggression, the actor’s performance heightens the wall situation from a neighborly dispute to the stuff of a biblical trial. — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2026

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