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

That heightens the importance of what Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh might say next week at the central bank's annual symposium at Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to calm bond investors. — Sarah Min, CNBC, 21 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

That sound underscores the physicality of the medium and heightens the sensation of time passing. — Rafaela Bassili, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande shine as Elphaba and Glinda (sorry, Galinda), and their natural chemistry only heightens the tragedy of the friendship between the two legendary Ozian characters. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Aug. 2026

And yet each leg up in the market heightens the risk of more Situational Awareness-like squeezes, and of individualized distress giving way to a broader bust. — John Cassidy, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026

The beauty of this maxi dress is that it’s intentionally crinkled, with an airy feel that heightens its rich-looking design. — Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 3 Aug. 2026

That heightens buyer enthusiasm and makes the whole process more addictive. — Kathy Kristof, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 July 2026

That heightens the risk that Facebook and Instagram users will be targeted in deceptive deepfakes, NBC News reported. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 10 July 2026