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
Relevance
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
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Recent Examples of heighten
With the moon in your sign, emotions are heightened, and external pressures feel extra loud.
—
Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026
Now, however, the counterterrorism director’s role is coming back to light as hostilities roil the Middle East and heighten the risk of attacks in the United States or against American interests or allies overseas.
—Hannah Allam, ProPublica, 21 Apr. 2026
The monochrome treatment emphasizes silhouette, proportion and shadow, allowing form and texture to take precedence while heightening the sensory experience.
—Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 20 Apr. 2026
Market conditions changed in March, sparked by a series of uneven economic reports and heightened geopolitical tensions and overseas conflicts.
—Matt Richardson, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for heighten
Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026
Now, however, the counterterrorism director’s role is coming back to light as hostilities roil the Middle East and heighten the risk of attacks in the United States or against American interests or allies overseas.
—Hannah Allam, ProPublica, 21 Apr. 2026
The monochrome treatment emphasizes silhouette, proportion and shadow, allowing form and texture to take precedence while heightening the sensory experience.
—Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 20 Apr. 2026
Market conditions changed in March, sparked by a series of uneven economic reports and heightened geopolitical tensions and overseas conflicts.
—Matt Richardson, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for heighten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heighten
Verb
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The shooting has also intensified calls by conservatives to fully fund DHS through a single bill — blaming Democrats for the shutdown and arguing that splitting apart ICE and Border Patrol funding will only give the minority party leverage.—
Mike Lillis,
The Hill,
28 Apr. 2026
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Instead, the slight thaw suggests a more modest agenda that the countries should now pursue, one that acknowledges that tensions between them over fundamental issues — trade, technology, global status — are more likely to intensify than abate.—
Andy Browne,
semafor.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Benedictine recruit came up with nine huge saves for the shutout to lift visiting Sandburg to a 1-0 SouthWest Suburban Conference win over district rival Andrew in Tinley Park.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
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The productivity boom, in this reading, isn’t lifting all boats.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The verdict As if its beautiful beaches and stunning lagoon aren’t enough to lull you into a sense of deep relaxation, Joali Being will stop at nothing to enhance your sense of wellbeing.—
Ann Lee,
TheWeek,
30 Apr. 2026
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Now Union Pacific has to demonstrate that this deal will enhance competition.—
Josh Funk,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In the evenings, Sankofa hosts film screenings and book talks to elevate the work of Black filmmakers and authors.—
Kat Chen,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Apr. 2026
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Just coming in, being able to get a fresh start, being able to get around some great people and just being able to elevate at the end of the day.—
Adam Lichtenstein,
Sun Sentinel,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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His work deepened and developed under the responsiveness of the academy and a larger and not-yet-balkanized reading public.—
Nick Laird,
The New York Review of Books,
25 Apr. 2026
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With worker shortages deepening across the region, governments are running out of time.—
Catherine Thorbecke,
Twin Cities,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Member associations had appealed to soccer’s governing body to raise prize money because of cost concerns.—
Anne M. Peterson,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
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That duplication has raised concerns about staff consolidations and widespread newsroom layoffs.—
Meg James,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
Verb
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October 23 – November 21 An honest shift today strengthens what truly matters.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Apr. 2026
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Scorpio October 23 – November 21 An honest shift today strengthens what truly matters.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Poltz’s one-man concerts are joyous affairs that celebrate music’s power to uplift, entertain and unify.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
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Her work focuses on protecting the ocean’s fragile ecosystem and uplifting the female voice.—
PhotoVogue,
Vogue,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Heighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heighten. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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