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
The Broadway team may have hoped to heighten the contradictions further, by focussing more tightly on New York oddballs under pressure.
—
Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 2 Apr. 2026
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency encourages organizations to heighten their cybersecurity vigilance during periods of elevated geopolitical risk.
—William Akoto, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2026
Chaos doesn’t simply heighten her music’s pathos but underlines her humanity.
—Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 2 Apr. 2026
The inevitable result of this isolation is tension, frustration, and despair, heightened by the specter of the murders of Robert Brooks and Messiah Nantwi at the hands of COs.
—Steve Zeidman, New York Daily News, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for heighten
Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 2 Apr. 2026
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency encourages organizations to heighten their cybersecurity vigilance during periods of elevated geopolitical risk.
—William Akoto, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2026
Chaos doesn’t simply heighten her music’s pathos but underlines her humanity.
—Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 2 Apr. 2026
The inevitable result of this isolation is tension, frustration, and despair, heightened by the specter of the murders of Robert Brooks and Messiah Nantwi at the hands of COs.
—Steve Zeidman, New York Daily News, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for heighten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heighten
Verb
-
The backlash intensified because of timing.—
Jesus Mesa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
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Most importantly, the legislation intensified punishments for those with prior convictions, with the worst offenders looking at a first-degree felony with up to 30 years imprisonment.—
Sean M. Cleary,
Sun Sentinel,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Severino struggled with his control, walking five and throwing just 49 of his 91 pitches for strikes before he was lifted after 3 1/3 innings.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
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Trump has also made statements that lifted markets, only to see the gains quickly disappear after increasing his military threats.—
Stan Choe,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The new menu reflects a broader trend in stadium dining, where teams are looking into unique and locally inspired food items, while also enhancing the overall game day experience.—
Jasmine Arenas,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
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Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Bruce elevated her legs on a life jacket and wiped away the tears while two flight attendants stared down at her with vacant impatience.—
Catherine Lacey,
New Yorker,
5 Apr. 2026
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Colagreco’s hero restaurant espouses a sustainable gastronomy—in this case, elevating the humble British vegetable.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Self-reflection is currently an ideal way to deepen our connections.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
4 Apr. 2026
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Sharing these discoveries with fellow gardeners deepens our sense of connection and joy.—
Rita Perwich,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The school also received a Rotary Club grant, and its PTA also raised a significant amount of money.—
Molly McCrea,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
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But the arc — first raising expectations for a big reveal, then declaring there was nothing to see, and ultimately a forced, flawed document dump — was a stubbornly problematic storyline that ran through her time as attorney general.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Teamwork strengthens as the caring Moon and triumphant Jupiter team up to support your casual friendships and deeper connections.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
4 Apr. 2026
-
The advisory will likely be extended through Friday afternoon and the winds will shift and strengthen.—
Chelsea Hylton,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In the wake of tragedy, American audiences turned to comfort films and TV shows with more positive, uplifting messages.—
Sergio Pereira,
Space.com,
30 Mar. 2026
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From career milestones to new music releases to major announcements and those little important moments, Billboard editors highlight uplifting moments in Latin music.—
Isabela Raygoza,
Billboard,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Heighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heighten. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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