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
A number of fires have broken out in New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts, and windy conditions are heightening the fire risk in the region.
—
Rebecca Cohen, NBC News, 9 Nov. 2024
When the film’s content was difficult to follow or more ambiguous like during Inception, activity was heightened in executive control brain regions.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 6 Nov. 2024
For investors, what is clear is that volatility will be heightened, with the volatility market pricing in a 1.91 percentage-point move for the S & P 500 through Wednesday’s close, Goldman’s note read.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024
This year, however, the higher-stakes political polarization between Trump and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris has heightened market sensitivities.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for heighten 
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Rebecca Cohen, NBC News, 9 Nov. 2024
When the film’s content was difficult to follow or more ambiguous like during Inception, activity was heightened in executive control brain regions.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 6 Nov. 2024
For investors, what is clear is that volatility will be heightened, with the volatility market pricing in a 1.91 percentage-point move for the S & P 500 through Wednesday’s close, Goldman’s note read.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024
This year, however, the higher-stakes political polarization between Trump and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris has heightened market sensitivities.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 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 25 Nov. 2024.
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