deepen
5 synonyms for deepen, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To make or become deeper.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use deepen
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
deepen a crisis
deepen a relationship
the shadows deepened
Etymology
From deep + the verb-forming suffix -en, the same pattern seen in "widen" and "harden."
Full origin of deepen →Frequently asked questions
What does “deepen” mean?
The word “deepen” means to make or become deeper. In plain terms, to get deeper, more intense, or more serious — used for holes, colours, sounds, feelings, and situations alike.
How do you pronounce “deepen”?
“Deepen” is pronounced DEE-puhn (/ˈdiːpən/ in IPA).
How do you use “deepen” in a sentence?
Here is “deepen” used in a sentence: “Years of erosion deepened the canyon.”
What is another word for “deepen”?
Words with a similar meaning to “deepen” include depthen.
What part of speech is “deepen”?
“Deepen” is a verb.
Is “deepen” a common word?
“Deepen” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “deepen” have?
“Deepen” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make or become deeper.
