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.
The intervention of Allied troops on the White Russian side in the Russian Civil War deepened Bolshevik paranoia, and Bolshevik leaders concluded that hostile powers would always seek to destroy Russia by cultivating internal enemies. — Andrei Soldatov, Foreign Affairs, 31 Aug. 2026 To better appreciate the natural world, learning to distinguish between ravens and crows can deepen your birdwatching skills. — Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 31 Aug. 2026 Israel and Greece have deepened defense ties in the last decade. — Sam Mednick, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 In every Patina location, experiences evolve, deepen, and resonate differently with each individual, encouraging a more intentional way of living and traversing the globe. — Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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