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
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
Netanyahu's plan to expand military control over Gaza, which Israeli sources said could be launched in October, has heightened global outcry over the widespread devastation, displacement and hunger in the enclave.
—
USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
Melendez paired the bodysuit with a black skirt featuring a tiered design and contrasting fabric, heightening the Gothic and dark glamour inspiration behind the look.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 11 Aug. 2025
In the meantime, high equity valuations may heighten the impact any negative developments have on stock returns.
—Brian Evans, CNBC, 11 Aug. 2025
This format also heightens the contrast of the pivotal moment when Parsons and Davidson first meet offline, as Davidson arrives in Sweden, where Parsons lives, to undergo the surgery that will transplant his healthy kidney.
—Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 11 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for heighten
USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
Melendez paired the bodysuit with a black skirt featuring a tiered design and contrasting fabric, heightening the Gothic and dark glamour inspiration behind the look.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 11 Aug. 2025
In the meantime, high equity valuations may heighten the impact any negative developments have on stock returns.
—Brian Evans, CNBC, 11 Aug. 2025
This format also heightens the contrast of the pivotal moment when Parsons and Davidson first meet offline, as Davidson arrives in Sweden, where Parsons lives, to undergo the surgery that will transplant his healthy kidney.
—Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 11 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for heighten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heighten
Verb
-
While Iran frames its warnings as a measure to deter future attacks, the U.S. and its allies view Iran's intensifying rhetoric as likely to heighten regional tensions.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Aug. 2025
-
This stuff is a powerful oxidizer that, while not flammable by itself, will accelerate and intensify combustion of rubber balloons, clothing, hair, skin, eye tissue and other things that burn when used around open flames such as bongs, joints, and cigarettes.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
13 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Fauna, meanwhile, might be lifted from the wood-block prints of Watanabe Seitei.—
Thessaly La Force,
Architectural Digest,
15 Aug. 2025
-
The easiest way to determine root rot problems is to gently lift the entire plant, roots and all, free from its container, and inspect the roots.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The theory is that each of these tax rates distinctly discourages the production and the seizing of initiative in the economy; therefore, cutting them enhances economic activity to an uncommon degree.—
Brian Domitrovic,
Forbes.com,
9 Aug. 2025
-
But combining chia with other blood sugar–lowering foods, like beans or lentils, may enhance the effect.—
Morgan Pearson,
Verywell Health,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Using quality rum and real sugar elevates the experience.—
Aly Walansky,
Southern Living,
18 Aug. 2025
-
The opportunity is real, but execution risk is elevated as competition intensifies across core markets.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
18 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Laureano has deepened his hitting groove so far with his team.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 Aug. 2025
-
In short, a healthy conflict serves as a reminder that the relationship can survive tough moments and even deepen because of them.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
16 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Utility officials opened a dam and released 4 billion gallons of water to raise the river's level.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
People.com,
8 Aug. 2025
-
Throughout the rest of the clip, Bob interviews a series of his friends before the show to get their predictions for how often Gaga will ask the crowd to raise their hands.—
Stephen Daw,
Billboard,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The only power play Newcastle has left is to keep Isak and strengthen in other areas, with midfield and defence key too.—
Harry De Cosemo,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
-
Honoring my Guatemalan ancestry only strengthens my commitment to America.—
Jenny Goldsberry,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Their goal is to uplift entrepreneurs by providing them with visibility, support and access to necessary resources.—
Olivia Rose,
AZCentral.com,
17 Aug. 2025
-
Moody, of all people, uplifted the 49ers’ mood and got mobbed by joyous teammates for his winning finish.—
Cam Inman,
Mercury News,
16 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Heighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heighten. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share