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
If your emotions feel especially heightened, trust them.
—
Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Aug. 2025
As the response from Israel made many ask about the equally horrific impact and death of innocents in Gaza, those debates and demonstrations heightened, particularly on college campuses globally.
—Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2025
Following the passage of President Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which is set to alter the Medicaid program significantly, forecasts predict that millions may lose coverage, heightening concerns about the potential impact on Americans' access to healthcare.
—Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 July 2025
Its inherent agility is heightened in the Cafe Racer by the uprated suspension and geometry, which proves stubbornly resistant to roll.
—Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for heighten
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Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Aug. 2025
As the response from Israel made many ask about the equally horrific impact and death of innocents in Gaza, those debates and demonstrations heightened, particularly on college campuses globally.
—Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2025
Following the passage of President Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which is set to alter the Medicaid program significantly, forecasts predict that millions may lose coverage, heightening concerns about the potential impact on Americans' access to healthcare.
—Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 July 2025
Its inherent agility is heightened in the Cafe Racer by the uprated suspension and geometry, which proves stubbornly resistant to roll.
—Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 30 July 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 7 Aug. 2025.
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