heightened; heightening
ˈhī-tᵊn-iŋ 
ˈhīt-niŋ
1
2
a
: to raise high or higher : elevate
b
: to raise above the ordinary or trite
3
obsolete
: elate
2
a
: to become great or greater in amount, degree, or extent
b
: to become brighter or more intense
Examples of heighten in a Sentence
The plan will only heighten tensions between the two groups.
This tragedy has heightened our awareness of the need for improved safety measures.
Tensions between the two groups have heightened.
Recent Examples on the Web
National security risks heightened in Great Lakes regions, expert says
Jim Weakley, the president of the Lake Carriers' Association, which represents the interests of U.S. commercial shippers, discussed the national security risks present at the U.S.-Canadian border.
—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2025
While Istanbul was not impacted, the devastation in southern Turkey heightened fears of a similar quake with experts citing the city’s proximity to fault lines.
—Mehmet Guzel, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
The Crumbs moved often, which only heightened Robert’s self-identification as a misfit.
—Chris Vognar, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Much of the dialogue has an expository flatness, which only heightens the grim comedy of the whole conceit; Cronenberg’s cool, latex-sheathed touch keeps brushing up against your funny bone.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for heighten
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Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2025
While Istanbul was not impacted, the devastation in southern Turkey heightened fears of a similar quake with experts citing the city’s proximity to fault lines.
—Mehmet Guzel, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
The Crumbs moved often, which only heightened Robert’s self-identification as a misfit.
—Chris Vognar, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Much of the dialogue has an expository flatness, which only heightens the grim comedy of the whole conceit; Cronenberg’s cool, latex-sheathed touch keeps brushing up against your funny bone.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for heighten
Cite this Entry
“Heighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heighten. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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