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 Call it transcendental, the character’s deepening sense of luminosity, the way his empathy heightens as his consciousness expands. — David L. Ulin, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heightens
  1. intensifies
  2. lifts
  3. enhances
  4. elevates
  5. deepens
  6. raises
  7. strengthens
  8. uplifts
Verb
  • Forest and land fires in Indonesia have worsened this year as El Niño intensifies a prolonged dry season.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The warning was downgraded late Sunday night to an advisory, meaning residents should still be on high alert in the event that activity intensifies again.
    — Austin Turner, CBS News, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of intensifies
Verb
  • The win got Frosinone back on track after a 3-0 loss to Napoli last weekend and lifts it into fifth place in the Serie A table.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Victory lifts Shakhtar to 11th in the early league-phase table, behind Bayern Munich on goal difference and ahead of both Manchester City and Manchester United.
    — Simon Johnson, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of lifts
Verb
  • The aluminum model enhances the tactile experience with the cool sensation of metal rather than plastic.
    — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 21 Oct. 2026
  • This non-precious Ni/Co heterostructure electrode enhances performance and lowers costs in alkaline water electrolysis.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of enhances
Verb
  • That production is the wrinkle that elevates Seventhirty’s lyrics from modern dating podcast material to pure melodrama.
    — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Alongside the mainline collection, a premium NY block pack elevates an archival jogging suit from the ‘80s for the contemporary moment.
    — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of elevates
Verb
  • As Carson and Rapp’s search for Henry deepens, Yaga cuts a jagged (though, at this point, well-trod by shows like Hulu’s Furious or even Netflix’s East of Eden) path through themes of wealth, male entitlement, female rage and the purpose of myth.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The split further deepens among male drinkers to 53 percent to 23 percent in favor of beer.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of deepens
Verb
  • Ohio polling raises questions Advertisement As polling consistently shows an advantage for Acton, Republicans are increasingly arguing that the polls may be wrong by just enough to give Ramaswamy the win.
    — Philip Elliott, Time, 19 Oct. 2026
  • The biggest names in movies, music, fashion and beyond pulled out their sartorial best for the annual fundraiser that celebrates cinematic achievement and raises money for the museum.
    — Brittany Talarico, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of raises
Verb
  • Asked what fundamentally strengthens creativity, experts keep coming back to lived experience.
    — Amy O’Brien, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The risk that alcohol consumption will recover slowly strengthens the case for diversification.
    — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of strengthens
Verb
  • The base incentive rate for qualifying film and television projects is 5% to 25% depending on in-state spend (a minimum of $250,000), with uplifts possible.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 10 Sep. 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 24 Oct. 2026.

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