heightened; heightening
ˈhīt-niŋ 
ˈhī-tᵊn-iŋ
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
Small agrees, stating that chronic illnesses like arthritis, hypertension, and heart disease heighten the risk for mental health issues.
—
Allison Palmer, Sacramento Bee, 2 July 2024
Paramount Plus hasn’t always been the most exciting streaming service, but its attractiveness has heightened in recent years, and today’s deal is the perfect opportunity to see why for yourself.
—Quentyn Kennemer, The Verge, 2 July 2024
The tragedy of O’Keefe’s death was heightened by the mystery of whether he might have been saved had he been found and treated earlier.
—Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 1 July 2024
Security concerns are already heightened across Europe amid the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East and a spate of politically motivated attacks.
—Keir Simmons, NBC News, 30 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for heighten 
Allison Palmer, Sacramento Bee, 2 July 2024
Paramount Plus hasn’t always been the most exciting streaming service, but its attractiveness has heightened in recent years, and today’s deal is the perfect opportunity to see why for yourself.
—Quentyn Kennemer, The Verge, 2 July 2024
The tragedy of O’Keefe’s death was heightened by the mystery of whether he might have been saved had he been found and treated earlier.
—Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 1 July 2024
Security concerns are already heightened across Europe amid the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East and a spate of politically motivated attacks.
—Keir Simmons, NBC News, 30 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for heighten
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'heighten.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near heighten
Cite this Entry
“Heighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heighten. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.
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