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
Relevance
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
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Recent Examples of heightens
The ad was shot on vintage tube cameras from the '80s, giving it a tactile, analog feel that heightens the retro disco energy.
—
Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 2026
Spending time in nature reduces stress, improves memory, and heightens creativity.
—Kylie Petty, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Jan. 2026
Throughout his nearly two-year Love On Tour, Styles’ live band became part of his showman persona; their absence heightens the song’s melancholy and intimacy.
—Heven Haile, Pitchfork, 23 Jan. 2026
Venus moving into Aquarius heightens your magnetism.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 17 Jan. 2026
The council will then decide which proposals, if any, advance to the ballot — a step critics say further heightens the need for transparency at the commission level.
—Teresa Liu, Daily News, 17 Jan. 2026
The single and music video, which features David Foster on piano and The Christ Church Choir on background vocals, further heightens the original’s uplifting essence.
—Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 16 Jan. 2026
Mangold has a showy falsetto that heightens Noah’s vulnerable longing, but the duets with Cheers’ Allie aren’t lyrically sophisticated enough to provide the relationship with much depth.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026
Companies have been bolstering identity security defenses as AI heightens the sophistication of cyberattacks.
—Samantha Subin, CNBC, 8 Jan. 2026
Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 2026
Spending time in nature reduces stress, improves memory, and heightens creativity.
—Kylie Petty, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Jan. 2026
Throughout his nearly two-year Love On Tour, Styles’ live band became part of his showman persona; their absence heightens the song’s melancholy and intimacy.
—Heven Haile, Pitchfork, 23 Jan. 2026
Venus moving into Aquarius heightens your magnetism.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 17 Jan. 2026
The council will then decide which proposals, if any, advance to the ballot — a step critics say further heightens the need for transparency at the commission level.
—Teresa Liu, Daily News, 17 Jan. 2026
The single and music video, which features David Foster on piano and The Christ Church Choir on background vocals, further heightens the original’s uplifting essence.
—Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 16 Jan. 2026
Mangold has a showy falsetto that heightens Noah’s vulnerable longing, but the duets with Cheers’ Allie aren’t lyrically sophisticated enough to provide the relationship with much depth.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026
Companies have been bolstering identity security defenses as AI heightens the sophistication of cyberattacks.
—Samantha Subin, CNBC, 8 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heightens
Verb
-
Nigerian energy companies have ramped up oil production over the past year as the government intensifies its efforts to restart dormant refineries and monetize untapped gas reserves.—
Alexander Onukwue,
semafor.com,
9 Feb. 2026
-
When temperatures drop below 32 degrees after dark, the city activates enhanced Code Blue, which intensifies outreach and relaxes shelter rules to bring more people indoors.—
Jeffrey Ginsburg,
New York Daily News,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Additionally, these leggings act as shapewear, featuring a contoured power waistband that provides core compression, lifts the backside, and provides an overall smoothing effect.—
Caroline Hughes,
Travel + Leisure,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Saturn leaving Pisces on February 13 lifts the heavy blanket of sorrow and exhaustion that’s been dampening your life force for the last three years, freeing you to unthaw a bit from the winter of your discontent.—
Steph Koyfman,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The instant espresso enhances the chocolate flavoring as if there isn't enough chocolate already.—
Nellah Bailey McGough,
Southern Living,
10 Feb. 2026
-
The conditioner’s nourishing formula also tames frizz, boosts moisture, and enhances shine.—
Alyssa Morin,
InStyle,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Seasonal menus keep every visit fresh, while the ambiance — elegant, warm and steeped in character — elevates even simple moments.—
USA TODAY NETWORK,
USA Today,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Leila Crossbody Bag Another slim but functional crossbody, the Leila is an easy-to-wear style that instantly elevates any look.—
Melanie Fincher,
Southern Living,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
This overreliance deepens inequities and fuels resentment.—
Joe Ferguson,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Proper aging concentrates glutamic acid, boosts umami and deepens flavor.—
Shindy Chen
February 10,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The extraordinary overture, disclosed by Maxwell’s lawyer during her virtual deposition before the House Oversight Committee, raises further questions about accountability and transparency.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Grassley said the Arctic Frost timeline, starting with the FBI under Thibault in 2022 and expanding under Smith, raises questions about how aggressively federal investigators pursued Republican lawmakers and organizations while shielding the process from oversight.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Trust that tending to your foundations strengthens your public success.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
4 Feb. 2026
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If money, knowledge, or labor feel uneven, propose simple rules and choose transparency, because trust strengthens when everyone sees the same numbers.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
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This could take the form of an especially enjoyable trip full of interesting conversations, a spiritual experience that uplifts you, or learning that stimulates your mind.—
Steph Koyfman,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Jan. 2026
-
For each of you talk about making music that uplifts because there are so many great jazz standards that have the point of lifting up the world.—
Steve Baltin,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Heightens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heightens. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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