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
Though the first season of this anthology series shares a similar beachy backdrop as the Cliff House, the second shifts to a snowy mountain resort, which only heightens the suspense.
—
Emily Blackwood, People.com, 3 June 2025
The pair’s meanders through the Turkish metropolis heighten the atmosphere of the quest – namely the search for beauty in things that aren’t perfect.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 3 June 2025
That fear has only heightened this week with the attack in Boulder, the third violent attack on the Jewish community in the last two months.
—Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 3 June 2025
Omar Marques | LightRocket | Getty Images Online sports betting stocks retreated Monday after Illinois lawmakers approved a budget that again raised taxes on wagers, heightening investor alarm that other states could follow suit.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for heighten
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Emily Blackwood, People.com, 3 June 2025
The pair’s meanders through the Turkish metropolis heighten the atmosphere of the quest – namely the search for beauty in things that aren’t perfect.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 3 June 2025
That fear has only heightened this week with the attack in Boulder, the third violent attack on the Jewish community in the last two months.
—Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 3 June 2025
Omar Marques | LightRocket | Getty Images Online sports betting stocks retreated Monday after Illinois lawmakers approved a budget that again raised taxes on wagers, heightening investor alarm that other states could follow suit.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 2 June 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 6 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share