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 reach has made the company an increasingly important link between farms and some of America's biggest food companies, and heightens the risk of food safety problems spreading. — Brandon Gomez, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026 Remember, Virgo wants facts, systems and practical solutions, while Pisces heightens our intuition, compassion and spirituality. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026 The move heightens pressure on Infantino, who is facing growing calls to resign, though Saudi Arabia’s soccer federation backed him on Thursday. — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 27 Aug. 2026 The herpes virus that causes chickenpox and shingles also heightens the risk of cardiovascular disease, research has shown, so better protection from Shingrix than Zostavax could help. — Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 26 Aug. 2026 New figures show nearly two-thirds believe AI heightens the need for human discussion, a figure that jumps to 82% for critical decisions. — Alison Coleman, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heightens
  1. intensifies
  2. lifts
  3. enhances
  4. elevates
  5. deepens
  6. raises
  7. strengthens
  8. uplifts
Verb
  • Over the coming years, NASA’s VIPER rover, the European Space Agency’s PROSPECT drilling package, and the Japan-India LUPEX rover are expected to arrive at the moon’s south pole, as the race to find water sources intensifies.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The challenge of proximity becomes more serious when a storm rapidly intensifies.
    — Monica Sanders, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of intensifies
Verb
  • SpaceX's Starship rocket lifts off from Starbase, Texas, as seen from South Padre Island on August 26, 2025, for its tenth test flight.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 25 Aug. 2026
  • In one of the most memorable panels in superherocomic history, Bane, having beaten Batman down in his own Batcave, lifts the hero over his head and slams him down over his knee, breaking his back.
    — Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of lifts
Verb
  • Packed with potent ingredients like isopropyl cloprostenate, amino acids, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E, this formula nurtures and enhances your brows from the root.
    — Iman Balagam, Vogue, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Gay, who is borderline to make the 53-man roster even with a high number of LB injuries, has seen his special teams participation increase recently, which enhances his chances of making the final roster.
    — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of enhances
Verb
  • My go-to personal item is my Cuyana Forma Bowler Bag—the leather material elevates any look.
    — Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 26 Aug. 2026
  • With a black and white color palette, this style elevates minimalism by adding greenery and natural wood.
    — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of elevates
Verb
  • As war fatigue deepens, politicians are increasingly exploiting anti-refugee sentiment for political gain.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The United States removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism on Monday, lifting what Damascus says was the last major impediment to investing in the country as Washington deepens ties to the new Syrian government.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of deepens
Verb
  • For many in Canada, the dispute raises concerns about American interference with Canada’s national identity.
    — Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Many workers are watching to see if lawmakers take action to finance raises.
    — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of raises
Verb
  • Research also suggested that traveling together strengthens family bonds, and experiencing new cultures firsthand helps children expand their worldview.
    — Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Antimony strengthens ammunition and armor and supports military technologies, including night-vision systems and flares.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of strengthens
Verb
  • Tennesse’s core film and TV production incentive is a 25% rebate on eligible expenses in the state, with uplifts possible, on a minimum spend of $500,000.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Venus will also be in harmony with lucky Jupiter, which uplifts the energetic atmosphere with joy, charm and possibility.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of uplifts

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heightens
heights
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Cite this Entry

“Heightens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heightens. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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