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
Any unease was heightened by the crowd remarking on a blaze that appeared to only march forward.
—
Corina Knoll, New York Times, 11 Dec. 2024
The state’s role as a gateway state with its ports heightens the risk of a foreign threat.
—Jenny Goldsberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 11 Dec. 2024
But even for its heightening visibility in pop culture, the term is still somewhat nebulous — evoking a range from curiosity to dread.
—Rebekah Pahl, Los Angeles Times, 11 Dec. 2024
The lake itself sits near several seismic faults, according to the DWR, heightening the risk to 80,000 people who call Perris, the town that has arisen around the reservoir, home.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
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.
Corina Knoll, New York Times, 11 Dec. 2024
The state’s role as a gateway state with its ports heightens the risk of a foreign threat.
—Jenny Goldsberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 11 Dec. 2024
But even for its heightening visibility in pop culture, the term is still somewhat nebulous — evoking a range from curiosity to dread.
—Rebekah Pahl, Los Angeles Times, 11 Dec. 2024
The lake itself sits near several seismic faults, according to the DWR, heightening the risk to 80,000 people who call Perris, the town that has arisen around the reservoir, home.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 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 23 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share