Meaning & use

deepen

verb·Everyday

To make or become deeper, either physically or in intensity.

See it in a sentence

Engineers deepened the channel so that larger ships could pass through.

Their friendship deepened after years of supporting each other through hardship.

A note on using this word

Deepen applies literally to water or holes and figuratively to feelings, understanding, or a crisis.

Words with a similar meaning

intensifyextend

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

lessen

Make it your own

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