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
Forecasters said the combination of drought stress and windy weather significantly heightens the risk of new outbreaks in parts of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, PennLive reported.
—
Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
The crisis heightened in September 2006, after the Gol Flight 1907 accident that killed all passengers and crew onboard.
—Jordana Comiter, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025
The public’s current zeal for space travel may be heightening interest in all things blue and teal.
—Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 23 Apr. 2025
Risk Factors to Consider The Trump administration's assertive policy initiatives have significantly heightened geopolitical uncertainty, creating a more complex risk landscape for RTX.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for heighten
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Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
The crisis heightened in September 2006, after the Gol Flight 1907 accident that killed all passengers and crew onboard.
—Jordana Comiter, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025
The public’s current zeal for space travel may be heightening interest in all things blue and teal.
—Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 23 Apr. 2025
Risk Factors to Consider The Trump administration's assertive policy initiatives have significantly heightened geopolitical uncertainty, creating a more complex risk landscape for RTX.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 23 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 1 May. 2025.
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