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
The sharp drop in mortgage rates owes in part to government data showing a significant decline in hiring, which has heightened expectations that the Federal Reserve will slash interest rates and in turn put downward pressure on borrowing costs, some analysts told ABC News.
—
Max Zahn, ABC News, 13 Sep. 2025
Perhaps, though, Kubrick's cold view of Jack and choice to diminish some of King's sympathetic nuances serve to heighten the terror; how much does knowing the complex motivations of a domestic abuser help their victims?
—James Grebey, Time, 12 Sep. 2025
While many prominent Democrats have responded by condemning political violence, the shooting has also heightened partisan tensions.
—Alia Shoaib, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
The Hill’s Niall Stanage writes that the shocking killing of Kirk is heightening fears over the nation’s path.
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for heighten
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Max Zahn, ABC News, 13 Sep. 2025
Perhaps, though, Kubrick's cold view of Jack and choice to diminish some of King's sympathetic nuances serve to heighten the terror; how much does knowing the complex motivations of a domestic abuser help their victims?
—James Grebey, Time, 12 Sep. 2025
While many prominent Democrats have responded by condemning political violence, the shooting has also heightened partisan tensions.
—Alia Shoaib, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
The Hill’s Niall Stanage writes that the shocking killing of Kirk is heightening fears over the nation’s path.
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 11 Sep. 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 14 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share