heightens

verb

present tense third-person singular of heighten
1
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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 That sound underscores the physicality of the medium and heightens the sensation of time passing. — Rafaela Bassili, Variety, 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 And yet each leg up in the market heightens the risk of more Situational Awareness-like squeezes, and of individualized distress giving way to a broader bust. — John Cassidy, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026 The beauty of this maxi dress is that it’s intentionally crinkled, with an airy feel that heightens its rich-looking design. — Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 3 Aug. 2026 That heightens buyer enthusiasm and makes the whole process more addictive. — Kathy Kristof, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 July 2026 That heightens the risk that Facebook and Instagram users will be targeted in deceptive deepfakes, NBC News reported. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 10 July 2026 So, while the Dodgers crawled out of the hole with a season-high 17 hits, the steep cost heightens the pressure on the rest of the rotation the rest of the series. — Liana Handler follow, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026 Adult males go through musth, a periodic condition that heightens their aggression. — ABC News, 3 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heightens
  1. intensifies
  2. lifts
  3. enhances
  4. elevates
  5. deepens
  6. raises
  7. strengthens
  8. uplifts
Verb
  • Doing so helps prevent soggy bottoms and intensifies the domed top, made possible by baking in alternating cups.
    — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Aug. 2026
  • This move intensifies existing rivalries, notably with the Boston Celtics following the Jaylen Brown trade.
    — Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of intensifies
Verb
  • In Bunk 5, Billy lifts her head, exhales, and looks down at the woman underneath her.
    — JP Mangalindan, Time, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Fresh lemon juice cuts through the sweetness, while a crown of sparkling wine lifts the pour into a crisp, bubbly finish.
    — Angela Hansberger, AJC.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of lifts
Verb
  • While designers and merchants remain in control of strategic decisions, AI enhances their expertise by analyzing demand signals, surfacing insights and recommending actions that humans can evaluate.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Peters has been open about his substance use, arguing that his particular pharmaceutical regimen enhances his productivity and cognitive capabilities.
    — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of enhances
Verb
  • However, the fresh look is what truly elevates it from other Marvel titles, a testament to how cross-cultural collaboration brings out the best in art.
    — Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The sleek, slip-on style instantly elevates the most basic outfit with that classic mule-meets-loafer design, while the flat bottoms provide all-day comfort.
    — Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of elevates
Verb
  • World oil demand is set to fall further than previously expected this year, the International Energy Agency said Wednesday, as the impact of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz deepens.
    — Sean Conlon,Hugh Leask,Lee Ying Shan,Sarah Min, CNBC, 11 Aug. 2026
  • February 19 – March 20 Trust deepens when care comes with clear terms.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of deepens
Verb
  • The Met Gala is an exclusive annual fundraiser that raises money for the Anna Wintour Costume Center at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Delivering medicine raises the stakes because patients may rely on the package for their care.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of raises
Verb
  • The standout ingredient in this formula is beta-glucan, which deeply hydrates skin and strengthens its barrier.
    — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 13 Aug. 2026
  • When an El Niño strengthens, trade winds weaken and ocean temperatures warm near and to the east of Hawaii, Malte Stuecker, director of the University of Hawai'i at Manoa's International Pacific Research Center, previously told USA TODAY.
    — Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of strengthens
Verb
  • Many of the books the platform uplifts belong to commercial genres, such as romance and romantasy.
    — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Show donors the real people, cultures, youth and communities their support uplifts.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of uplifts

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heightens
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Cite this Entry

“Heightens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heightens. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of heightens for Spanish Speakers

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