HEIGHTEN Synonyms: 89 Similar and Opposite Words

heighten

verb

ˈhī-tᵊn

Definition of heighten

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

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 Gradually, the story’s impact started to affect Eckert, with every passing day heightening the scrutiny. — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026 That sound underscores the physicality of the medium and heightens the sensation of time passing. — Rafaela Bassili, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026 Edwin van Werd | via Reuters Oil prices were little changed Wednesday, after deadly attacks on vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Oman heightened concerns over risks to global shipping routes. — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2026 Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande shine as Elphaba and Glinda (sorry, Galinda), and their natural chemistry only heightens the tragedy of the friendship between the two legendary Ozian characters. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for heighten

Recent Examples of Synonyms for heighten

Verb

Clashes have intensified near the Bab al-Mandeb strait, a key maritime chokepoint, in recent weeks after the Houthis declared a blockade of Saudi shipping in the Red Sea.

— Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026
Nearly all the survivors have returned to Morocco, and both countries have intensified security measures.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of intensify

Verb

With their victory, Cameroon became just the fourth nation to lift the WAFCON trophy since 1998 and the third to win both the men’s and women’s Africa Cup of Nations (alongside Nigeria and South Africa).

— Emily Olsen, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
The rally powering the major averages this year has lifted small-cap stocks – and several also offer dividend income and the prospect for further gains.

— Darla Mercado, CFP®, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of lift

Verb

At West Ham, Fernandes enhanced his reputation as a player who can not only drive his team forward but also play a key role out of possession, defending on the front foot.

— Cerys Jones, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Vuong’s photographs are displayed rather conventionally on the gallery walls, but the viewing experience is enhanced by images of his that have been printed on cloth banners that hang in the center of the space.

— Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of enhance

Verb

As China’s strategic rivalry with the US and its allies deepens, Beijing has broadened its anti-espionage campaign, casting suspicious eyes on foreign ties amid concerns about the leak of state secrets.

— Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
Savoring distinguishes itself from gratitude and mindfulness by actively deepening present joys.

— Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of deepen

Verb

Residents in some of those markets continue to raise concerns about drone noise and privacy and how those issues could hurt property values.

— Annie Palmer, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026
Notably, Schwartzel was one of the few candidates in the race who was actually born and raised in the state.

— Adisa Hargett-Robinson, The Washington Examiner, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of raise

Verb

However, the notion of the emperor’s divine origins strengthened during the Meiji era, when the concept of State Shinto arose.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
The tropical storm is set to strengthen into a hurricane on approach to Hawaii’s Big Island this weekend.

— Ben Noll, Washington Post, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of strengthen

Verb

Each envelope contains a message meant to encourage, validate or uplift the person who selects it.

— Sophia Buonpane, Kansas City Star, 13 Aug. 2026
Login The Christian Science Monitor was founded in 1908 to lift the standard of journalism and uplift humanity.

— Suzanne Salvatore, Christian Science Monitor, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of uplift

Browse Nearby Words

height

heighten

heightened

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Style

“Heighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heighten. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of heighten

verb

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