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
The combination of low humidity, dry fuels, and shifting winds has heightened the potential for spot fires and rapid expansion.
—
Anna Skinner, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
Its marked minerality is heightened by a subtle effervescence which occurs from fermentation at a low temperature to retain small quantities of carbon dioxide.
—Jillian Dara, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
While reckoning with the calamity, some homeowners are likely taking the first step in a disaster recovery process that has become increasingly common as climate change has heightened the frequency and severity of extreme weather events: filing an insurance claim.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 9 Jan. 2025
Security has been heightened for decades because of tensions between Beijing and Tibetans, many of whom have struggled to maintain their cultural identity and religious traditions in a country dominated by Han Chinese.
—Tiffany May, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for heighten 
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Anna Skinner, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
Its marked minerality is heightened by a subtle effervescence which occurs from fermentation at a low temperature to retain small quantities of carbon dioxide.
—Jillian Dara, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
While reckoning with the calamity, some homeowners are likely taking the first step in a disaster recovery process that has become increasingly common as climate change has heightened the frequency and severity of extreme weather events: filing an insurance claim.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 9 Jan. 2025
Security has been heightened for decades because of tensions between Beijing and Tibetans, many of whom have struggled to maintain their cultural identity and religious traditions in a country dominated by Han Chinese.
—Tiffany May, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025
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 20 Jan. 2025.
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