1
as in to intensify
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 to lift
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 heighten
Mix large and small blooms, and nestle in sculptural greenery around the base of the vase and dotted throughout the arrangement to heighten the drama.
—
Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Apr. 2026
That pressure was only heightened when early images from the production sparked backlash online.
—Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026
These health risks are heightened by weak systems for water, sanitation and healthcare.
—Kaveh Madani, The Conversation, 29 Apr. 2026
And those sensations are heightened when there is an expectation of a place being haunted.
—ArsTechnica, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for heighten
Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Apr. 2026
That pressure was only heightened when early images from the production sparked backlash online.
—Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026
These health risks are heightened by weak systems for water, sanitation and healthcare.
—Kaveh Madani, The Conversation, 29 Apr. 2026
And those sensations are heightened when there is an expectation of a place being haunted.
—ArsTechnica, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for heighten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heighten
Verb
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The shooting has also intensified calls by conservatives to fully fund DHS through a single bill — blaming Democrats for the shutdown and arguing that splitting apart ICE and Border Patrol funding will only give the minority party leverage.—
Mike Lillis,
The Hill,
28 Apr. 2026
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Instead, the slight thaw suggests a more modest agenda that the countries should now pursue, one that acknowledges that tensions between them over fundamental issues — trade, technology, global status — are more likely to intensify than abate.—
Andy Browne,
semafor.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Spurs’ back-to-back wins have lifted them out of the relegation zone and their remaining fixtures are hugely important.—
Abdul Rehman,
New York Times,
7 May 2026
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And dirt is moving on the site of a future 148,000-square-foot Target, where developers and city and county officials lifted their shovels Tuesday.—
Rose Evans
Updated May 6,
Idaho Statesman,
6 May 2026
Verb
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The new thermal insulation material improves upon aerogel by enhancing its mechanical properties while maintaining moisture permeability and quick-drying performance.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Footwear News,
7 May 2026
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Saudi Aramco’s new supercomputer, meant to accelerate the search for new oil and gas deposits and enhance output from existing fields, costs $373 million.—
Matthew Martin,
semafor.com,
7 May 2026
Verb
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Carly elevates the aesthetic activities of suburban women everywhere to the status of—what, exactly?—
Olivia Kan-Sperling,
Artforum,
2 May 2026
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If denim isn’t your thing, a wide-leg stretchy trouser instantly elevates any outfit while still feeling easy.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
2 May 2026
Verb
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Renewable energy The global oil crisis has only deepened the desire by many countries to transition to clean energy, which could be a boon for the sector.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
2 May 2026
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Compared to other regions in the country, Dubrovnik could be harder hit if the fuel crisis deepens because of its location at the southern tip of Croatia’s Adriatic Sea coastline.—
Darko Bandic,
Fortune,
2 May 2026
Verb
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Diplomats said the two countries raised strong objections when the UN Security Council discussed it behind closed doors last week, Reuters reported.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
8 May 2026
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Independent reports have raised concerns about confusion and conflicts over who is ultimately accountable for education in California.—
Jemma Stephenson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 May 2026
Verb
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Nexstar contends the deal would strengthen TV station economics, allowing stations to bolster their news gathering and expand the number of newscasts.—
Meg James,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
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The medication can help strengthen the floor-of-mouth muscles, keeping the dog’s airway more open.—
Taneia Surles,
USA Today,
1 May 2026
Verb
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The mogul, who used his massive media fortune to uplift causes, including United Nations refugee and children programs and conservation efforts, is survived by his five children, fourteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.—
Taijuan Moorman,
USA Today,
6 May 2026
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But unlike The Other Side of Heaven, Hathaway finds a moving emotional core to the character that gives this tepid Dickens adaptation some uplift amid a surprisingly flatlining ensemble (save for a one-eyed Jim Broadbent).—
Chris Feil,
Vulture,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Heighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heighten. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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