Synonyms

deepen

American

[dee-puhn] / ˈdi pən /

verb (used with or without object)

to make or become deep or deeper: deep.

Larger ships will be able to navigate the river after the main channel is deepened. The shadows deepened toward late afternoon.
Meteorology. to decrease in atmospheric pressure.

a deepening cyclone.

deepen British

/ ˈdiːpən /

verb

to make or become deep, deeper, or more intense

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

deepener noun
deepeningly adverb
overdeepen verb (used with object)
undeepened adjective

Etymology

Origin of deepen

First recorded in 1595–1605; deep + -en ¹

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Washington has voiced concerns about Iranian-linked groups deepening its influence in the region, including Iraq.

From BBC

With this trio, he deepens his investment in finely tuned blends of acoustic and electronic sounds.

From The Wall Street Journal

Nevertheless, the state has deepened its economic ties with the U.S. in recent years.

From The Wall Street Journal

"Confidence collapsed in January, as consumer concerns about both the present situation and expectations for the future deepened," said the research group's chief economist Dana Peterson.

From Barron's

And my sense of community has, in fact, deepened.

From Salon

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023