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
Synonyms
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
Tensions are further heightened by China's assertive posture toward Taiwan and neighboring nations in the South China Sea, as well as Beijing's support for Russia's military-industrial complex.
—
Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024
If alarms continue and start to heighten, our brain continues to divert resources to help our motor skills go into action.
—Liz Guthridge, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024
Tensions heightened last weekend as the countries' leaders worked to negotiate a ceasefire deal.
—Jordana Miller, ABC News, 26 Nov. 2024
Their sea adventures are heightened by vivid style (Byron Howard is the animation director and Kevin Webb and Amy Lawson Smeed serve as heads of animation) and striking visual effects (supervised by Carlos Cabral and Kyle Odermatt).
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for heighten 
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Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024
If alarms continue and start to heighten, our brain continues to divert resources to help our motor skills go into action.
—Liz Guthridge, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024
Tensions heightened last weekend as the countries' leaders worked to negotiate a ceasefire deal.
—Jordana Miller, ABC News, 26 Nov. 2024
Their sea adventures are heightened by vivid style (Byron Howard is the animation director and Kevin Webb and Amy Lawson Smeed serve as heads of animation) and striking visual effects (supervised by Carlos Cabral and Kyle Odermatt).
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for heighten
Dictionary Entries Near heighten
Cite this Entry
“Heighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heighten. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.
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