deepen

Make more intense

Deepen means to make or become deeper.

A channel is dredged to deepen it for larger ships.

A hole deepens as you dig.

The word extends naturally to abstract intensification: Her understanding of the subject deepened over time.

Colors deepen as they grow richer and more saturated.

A mystery deepens as it grows more complex.

Voices deepen as they drop in pitch.

color

darken

Diminish light in

shadow · shade · tone · hue · pigment · tint · richness · vibrancy · dim · muddy

intensify

heighten

Increase in degree

increase · escalate · magnify · accentuate · reinforce · boost · sharpen · concentrate · enrich · augment

excavate

dig

Unearth by shoveling

  • dredgeUnderwater excavation apparatus
  • trenchLong narrow excavation
  • burrowAnimal's dug dwelling

hollow · gouge · scoop · bore · excavate · channel · pit · depress · sink · lower

understanding

profound

Intensely meaningful or insightful

fathom · penetrate · absorb · internalize · enlightenment · wisdom · contemplative · reflective · thoughtful · meditative

relationship

bond

Binding tie or connection

commitment · closeness · strengthen · nurture · cultivate · attachment · rapport · affection · solidarity · devotion

voice

lower

Reduce or move downward

gravelly · rumble · sonorous · timbre · pitch · tone · register · husky · throaty · basso

Categories
Opposites
physical depth

deepenfill in

Temporarily replace someone

fill · raise · elevate · level · flatten

intensity or degree

deepenlessen

Reduce in degree

diminish · reduce · weaken · decrease · ease

color or tone

deepenlighten

Make less heavy

pale · fade · bleach · whiten · wash out

Phrases
Family

deep, deeply, deepest, deeper, deepening, deepened, deepness, deepens

Familiarity
Top 50,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G