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
Exercise heightened caution during this period.
—
Southern California Weather Report, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025
The exercise flexes Russia's military muscle in a region shared by the United States and comes as tensions heighten between Moscow and Washington over ending the Russia-Ukraine war that began in February 2022.
—Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
Soft lighting heightens the relaxed, yet chic atmosphere of a living room.
—Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 19 Sep. 2025
In Japan, the problem is heightened by specific cultural and demographic factors.
—Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for heighten
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Southern California Weather Report, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025
The exercise flexes Russia's military muscle in a region shared by the United States and comes as tensions heighten between Moscow and Washington over ending the Russia-Ukraine war that began in February 2022.
—Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
Soft lighting heightens the relaxed, yet chic atmosphere of a living room.
—Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 19 Sep. 2025
In Japan, the problem is heightened by specific cultural and demographic factors.
—Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 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 21 Sep. 2025.
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