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 The unflinching depiction of the human toll of the kaiju carnage heightens the stakes, but it’s used to address larger themes as well. — James Grebey, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2026 Heggessey called into question a number of the procedures, including that the premise of the show — to match contributors with long-term partners — heightens tension and conflict, with intimacy being a key focus. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 5 Nov. 2026 This discovery further heightens concerns regarding the manufacturing quality and overall reliability of American aerospace products. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026 The ironic juxtaposition between Christmas cheer and bloody terror heightens the stakes. — Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026 The fact that his fellow NYC indie veterans Steve Buscemi and Giancarlo Esposito show up in supporting roles as well only heightens the throwback vibe. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 29 Oct. 2026 That heightens the stakes for chairman Warsh, who has expressed a preference for fewer words at a time when investors may prefer clearer communication. — Sarah Min, CNBC, 23 Oct. 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heightens
  1. intensifies
  2. lifts
  3. enhances
  4. elevates
  5. deepens
  6. raises
  7. strengthens
  8. uplifts
Verb
  • The nonbinding vote comes as Washington intensifies pressure on Cuba, whose fuel shortages have fueled power outages disrupting cooking, water service and communications.
    — Farnoush Amiri, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Trump’s influence over Republican voters intensifies these incentives.
    — Stephanie A, The Conversation, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of intensifies
Verb
  • The pavilion includes a gym, a sports court, a steam room and lifts for 20 cars.
    — Sara B. Hansen, Denver Post, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The same impulse that lifts some victims up can leave others, the imperfect ones, out in the cold.
    — Paul Bloom, New Yorker, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of lifts
Verb
  • The trailhead enhances access to popular bouldering and climbing areas, and provides five new creek access points, the agency said in a statement.
    — Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Streaming those Christmas classics, or even performing in a high school production of those musicals, enhances the Brit’s wealth.
    — Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of enhances
Verb
  • This chunky chain bracelet is understated but elevates his everyday outfits.
    — Malia Griggs, Glamour, 11 Nov. 2026
  • The victory denies Abbott a fourth term and elevates an Austin state representative who built her campaign around public education, household costs and criticism of the state's Republican leadership.
    — Blaise Gainey, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of elevates
Verb
  • The answer remains unclear as the antipathy between Marnûkh and Arondir deepens.
    — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Twisted Teens’ most compelling quality might be the fact that their obvious reverence for rock’n’roll history still leaves plenty of room for mystery, and the intrigue deepens on The Holy Cross Tigers, the group’s third full-length of 2026.
    — Stuart Berman, Pitchfork, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of deepens
Verb
  • One of those pay packages gave thousands of civilian city workers raises of about 24% over five years.
    — David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Mike Katz-Lacabe, the organization's research director, said the program raises questions about how drones will be monitored, who will have access to the footage and whether police can adequately oversee their own use of the technology.
    — Da Lin, CBS News, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of raises
Verb
  • Rain looks to arrive through midday Thursday, becoming steadier Thursday night as the coastal storm strengthens.
    — Grant Gilmore, CBS News, 10 Nov. 2026
  • This deal strengthens the company's position in the fast-growing ready-to-drink (RTD) category.
    — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 9 Nov. 2026
Definition of strengthens
Verb
  • This year, Ireland sweetened the pot, adding VFX and post-production uplifts to the incentive program.
    — Stacy Perman, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Christian Science Perspective Instead of being full of burden and obligation, the activities of Churches of Christ, Scientist, are full of light that uplifts and heals.
    — Lynn Jackson, Christian Science Monitor, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of uplifts

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heightens
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Cite this Entry

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

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