heighten

verb

ˈhī-tᵊn How to pronounce heighten (audio)
Definition of heightennext
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

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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

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 heighten After Mercury direct re-enters Aries on April 16, the messenger planet will join forces with Neptune — for the first time in this lifetime — heightening our intuition while triggering spiritual breakthroughs. — Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 Apr. 2025 Despite this limited inclusion, the overall promo exchange was energetic and successfully heightened anticipation for their WrestleMania 41 headlining match. — Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025 Although go-arounds are performed often, the incident heightened the attention to the airport’s airspace. — Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 1 Apr. 2025 With the approach of an April 2 target for signing the deal, Beijing has heightened the stakes, amplifying criticism that casts the deal as a historic mistake that would empower the United States and hamper China’s global development. — Ann Scott Tyson, Christian Science Monitor, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for heighten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heighten
  1. intensify
  2. lift
  3. enhance
  4. elevate
  5. deepen
  6. raise
  7. strengthen
  8. uplift
Verb
  • This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • But even as China’s drills have intensified, and its missiles, warships and fighter jets have advanced, many experts have doubted that the Chinese military could cross the Taiwan Strait with the speed and numbers needed for a successful invasion.
    — Chris Buckley, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of intensify
Verb
  • He’s made a conscious effort to lift the ball more, and he’s continued to walk as he’s climbed the system.
    — Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Each carriage turns 360 degrees while lifting riders to 6 feet in the air.
    — Samantha Neely, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of lift
Verb
  • Another company, Thyssenkrupp, then processed the recycled titanium to enhance its machining and deformation characteristics.
    — Anthony DeMarco, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Knights hope to elevate veteran pass-rushing group The Knights have several starters returning to balance a talented group that should enhance the team’s pass rushing abilities.
    — Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of enhance
Verb
  • This pull-forward was expected to keep cargo numbers elevated into the spring, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and trade consulting firm Hackett Associates.
    — Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Standing comfortably in the fairway with a chance to elevate into a new stratosphere, just one shot back of the leader Scottie Scheffler, Åberg and caddie Joe Skovron agreed on a 5-iron starting out well right of the water and drawing over to the green.
    — Brody Miller, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of elevate
Verb
  • Over the season’s travails, their chemistry deepens from easy and comfortable to fiercely devoted to movingly tender.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2025
  • New characters like Abby (Kaitlyn Dever) and Isaac (Jeffrey Wright) deepen and distort the conviction that the real monsters are within us.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of deepen
Verb
  • At the same time, these updates raise questions about the Oscars broadcast itself.
    — Clayton Davis, Variety, 11 Apr. 2025
  • There’s also a charity component, with the team raising funds for local students involved in fish restoration efforts.
    — Luke Cyphers, Sportico.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of raise
Verb
  • To strengthen cultural ties between France and the U.S. by promoting the work of a young contemporary composer, Pisar initiated the Pisar Prize, a collaboration between Juilliard and Théâtre des Champs-Élysées.
    — Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Women directors can take a lead role in strengthening stakeholder relations.
    — Committee of 200, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of strengthen
Verb
  • Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter highlights the history of African American influence in the making of American Western culture, uplifting country music, cowboy life, and entrepreneurship in the Wild West.
    — Jaha Nailah Avery, Essence, 27 Mar. 2025
  • The 50 West Soft Pretzel Double Cheeseburger uplifts the smash burger experience, stacking two patties, American cheese, and Funacho cheese, all cradled in a pretzel bun with crinkle-cut fries on the side.
    — Nasha Smith, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of uplift

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height
heighten
heightened
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Cite this Entry

“Heighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heighten. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

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