deepen
verb (used with or without object)
were deepening
-
past progressiveof deepen.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
But divisions were deepening within the administration over how hard to press China.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 24, 2026
Sir Sean's children said their father was "immensely proud" of his Scottish roots and he would be pleased they were deepening their relationship with Edinburgh.
From BBC ● Sep. 22, 2026
Just days into a three-week camp, sunburns had begun to blister, and awkward tan lines marking socks, watches, sleeves and shoe straps were deepening.
From New York Times ● Jul. 1, 2023
"You still see glimpses of the natural beauty," said Jennifer Hilliard, 56, over the growl of dredgers that were deepening the channel to accommodate larger tankers.
From Salon ● Feb. 1, 2023
The sun was sinking behind the mountains, and the shadows were deepening in the woods, when they went on again.
From "The Fellowship of the Ring" by J.R.R. Tolkien
