deepen

verb

deep·​en ˈdē-pən How to pronounce deepen (audio)
deepened; deepening ˈdē-pə-niŋ How to pronounce deepen (audio)
ˈdēp-niŋ
Synonyms of deepennext

transitive verb

: to make deep or deeper

intransitive verb

: to become deeper or more profound

Synonyms of deepen

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Examples of deepen in a Sentence

They deepened the river so that larger boats could sail through. Age had deepened the lines in his face. The water deepens toward the center of the river. Her powerful words deepened our commitment to the cause. The vacation together deepened their relationship with each other. The mystery was deepened by her silence. This class will deepen your understanding of economics. Living in the country's capital had deepened her knowledge of politics.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Residents of the southern Ukrainian ⁠town, occupied by Russian forces since February 2022, have reported a deepening food crisis. — Reuters, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2026 What could be next Expect the refresh-over-replace approach to deepen over the next year, with three plausible directions worth watching — and a concrete move for readers in each. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026 With the sun setting earlier each day, mood and energy dips are likely to deepen through late fall. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026 Lula also raised Brazil’s profile abroad, deepening ties with developing nations while maintaining relationships with the US and Europe, and helped found the BRICS group with China, Russia, India and South Africa. — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deepen

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of deepen was in 1600

Rhymes for deepen

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Browse Nearby Words

deep ecology
deepen
deepeningly
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Cite this Entry

“Deepen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deepen. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

deepen

verb
deep·​en ˈdē-pən How to pronounce deepen (audio)
deepened; deepening ˈdēp-(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce deepen (audio)
: to make or become deep or deeper
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