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 Amazon no longer making new Fire Sticks with sideloading addressed that concern, particularly as streaming service providers like Amazon display heightened interest in live events to make ad sales. — Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 30 June 2026 The editing rhythms are clipped and almost metronomically precise; individual scenes feel less composed than synthesized from an array of swift, gestural fragments—a hand on a doorknob, a face at the window—which have the effect of heightening your attention. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 26 June 2026 The environmental organizations raised concerns about the nearby data center’s potential effects, including noise and light pollution that could alter animals’ breeding patterns and potentially heighten their stress responses. — Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 30 June 2026 Trump responded by saying their decision only heightens the importance of Congress passing the SAVE America Act, his effort to rewrite voter eligibility laws. — Josh Feldman, NBC news, 30 June 2026 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
  • Lane closures remained in effect, snarling traffic for several miles as rush hour intensified.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • Brown was the subject of rampant trade rumors in recent weeks, with those intensifying after the Celtics’ attempt to flip him for Giannis Antetokounmpo failed.
    — Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 6 July 2026
Definition of intensify
Verb
  • The crew took part in rescuing a 47-year-old man who was pulled out of the rubble eight days after the quakes hit, lifting the spirits and morale of rescuers who up until then were primarily uncovering human remains.
    — Seamus Bozeman Follow, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • Elsewhere in the city, several heavy trucks were lifted and moved as far 30 meters by the winds.
    — Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
Definition of lift
Verb
  • More than 30 Will County schools will receive funds to enhance security thanks to $129,777 in grants awarded by the county from the state’s cannabis sales tax revenue.
    — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • Rainy weather driving tips Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.
    — STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 July 2026
Definition of enhance
Verb
  • Toxic metals, including lead and arsenic, were not elevated, according to air district data.
    — Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • The black-eyed peas blended with garlic, tahini, and lemon makes for a smoky, zesty, and bright dish that elevates a standard hummus.
    — Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 1 July 2026
Definition of elevate
Verb
  • Recent allegations of irregularities in government recruitment exams have only deepened frustrations among some young Indians.
    — Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
  • South Korean officials and experts say the vessel was likely built with Russian assistance amid deepening military ties between the countries, but some analysts have questioned how effective the vessel would be in active service.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
Definition of deepen
Verb
  • But the data center boom has raised many questions about land use, the resources the complexes consume and the risk of costs being spread to other Georgia residents and businesses.
    — Drew Kann, AJC.com, 1 July 2026
  • Gonzales ran with a platform decisively to the left, supporting Medicare-for-all, raising the minimum wage and cracking down on junk fees.
    — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Definition of raise
Verb
  • Manucurist formulates its masks with panthenol, a form of vitamin B5, to hydrate and strengthen dry nails over time, reducing breakage.
    — Irene Richardson, InStyle, 4 July 2026
  • The only way to preserve our republic is to strengthen the pillars of our present with the mortar of our past.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of strengthen
Verb
  • The Christian Science Monitor was founded in 1908 to lift the standard of journalism and uplift humanity.
    — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 4 July 2026
  • That includes delicious deals across lots of furniture and home decor, including bedroom pieces, outdoor gems, and ceramics to uplift any area of your home.
    — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 3 July 2026
Definition of uplift

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heightened
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Cite this Entry

“Heighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heighten. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of heighten for Spanish Speakers

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