Verbs for Changes of Intensity

to emphasize, highlight, or draw attention to certain features or aspects of something

The artist used vibrant colors to accentuate the beauty of the landscape.

to intensify or strengthen something, making it more significant or extreme

Regular practice can deepen your understanding of a subject.

to increase the quantity, intensity, or degree of something

Recent events have heightened concerns about cybersecurity.

to make something become much worse or more intense

Ignoring the initial signs of conflict can escalate the situation.

to become more in degree or strength

Ongoing efforts are currently intensifying to address climate change.

to make something harder to understand or deal with

Introducing a new software halfway through the project might complicate our progress.

to increase the size, effect, or extent of something

Ongoing research is currently amplifying our understanding of climate change.

to decrease the amount of pain, stress, etc.

Taking a short break can relieve stress during a busy workday.

to lessen something's seriousness, severity, or painfulness

Planting more trees can mitigate the impact of climate change.

to reduce from the difficulty or intensity of a problem, issue, etc.

Ongoing support programs are currently alleviating the challenges faced by the community.

not excessive in amount, degree, or quantity

She prefers to eat moderate portions to avoid overeating.

to disappear slowly

The enthusiasm has faded after months of setbacks.

to gradually decrease in intensity, volume, or activity

The laughter in the comedy club began to die down as the comedian wrapped up the show.

to end or lessen a person's anger by giving in to their demands

The leader's decision to address the issues directly appeased the public's outrage.

to make something brighter or clearer in color

Adding a white paint can lighten the color of the walls and make the room appear larger.

to decline in intensity or strength

After the storm, the winds gradually subside.

to bring something or someone under control, often using authority or force

The police officer had to subdue the suspect during the altercation.

to gradually decrease in intensity, strength, importance, size, influence, etc.

The popularity of the trend is currently waning among the younger generation.

to reduce the intensity of something

She decided to tone the colors down in the painting to create a more calming effect.

to lessen in intensity or severity

After the storm passed, the wind began to abate, and the rain eased to a drizzle.

(of a color) to become softer and less vibrant, particularly over a period of time

Over time, the paint on the wooden door had mellowed, giving it a charming, aged look.

to gradually decrease in number, amount, or intensity over time

As winter approaches, the temperature tends to taper off.

to gradually decrease in strength, value, or intensity

The effectiveness of the treatment has attenuated over time.

to reduce in speed

The hiker felt his pace slacken as he reached the uphill portion of the trail.

someone who is deeply interested in and well-informed about a particular topic

She's a real history buff and can recite dates from memory.

to gradually disappear or spread out

The morning mist began to dissipate as the sun rose higher in the sky.

a tool that is used to soften or silence the sound produced by a musical instrument

with little or no noise

The library was quiet, with only the sound of pages turning.

to make a sound quieter or less distinct

The new insulation has effectively muffled the external traffic sounds.