HEIGHTENS Synonyms: 89 Similar and Opposite Words

heightens

verb

present tense third-person singular of heighten

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 At the same time, a lot of the region’s industrial infrastructure is aging, which also heightens the risk of leaks, cracks or failure. —

Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2026 Thus, as the business case bar for acceptable returns rises to reflect these realities as well as economic uncertainty, capital discipline heightens. —

Jim Deloach, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026 The exit of Casemiro, who has been influential in his fourth and final year, heightens the immediate focus, and work is being done on multiple targets so United can act quickly once the campaign ends on Sunday. —

Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 21 May 2026 The Pisces Moon in your 5th House of Creativity trine Jupiter heightens pleasure, confidence, and the sense that what feels joyful may also move something important forward. —

Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 May 2026 Today’s energy heightens your emotions, intuition and mental sensitivity, making conversations feel uncomfortably layered. —

Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026 Local firm Studio Munge’s design is restrained but exacting, which heightens the impact of the details. —

Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026 Mikhail Metzel | Via Reuters Russia has offered to help China with any potential energy shortfall, as the war in the Middle East heightens geopolitical divisions and threatens global commodity supplies. —

Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 15 Apr. 2026 Rather than rely on items that are more neutral, a kaleidoscopic palette heightens the personality of your space. —

Rachel Davies, Architectural Digest, 15 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for heightens

Verb

Martinez de Castro says South Florida’s limited supply of luxury waterfront real estate only intensifies the demand.

— Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 19 May 2026
Ocean spot freight rates increased by double digits this week as ocean carriers tack on more emergency fuel surcharges and begin setting up peak season surcharges, even as China intensifies regulatory scrutiny over carriers’ freight rate transparency and filing practices.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 15 May 2026