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
This misalignment heightens the risks of cardiovascular events and accidents, confirming the profound impact of light on our well-being.
—
Maria Sokolina, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
Security was heightened at the Constitutional Court on Tuesday, after a mob of angry Yoon supporters went on a rampage through the district court that issued a warrant to extend his detention early on Sunday.
—Reuters, CNN, 21 Jan. 2025
The about-face on electric-vehicle policies adds to a climate of uncertainty and peril heightened by the president’s promise to impose 25 percent tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico, which are major suppliers of cars and car parts to the United States.
—Jack Ewing, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2025
The soundtrack is a triumph, expertly blending contemporary radio hits with nostalgic gems to heighten the film’s energy.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 21 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for heighten 
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Maria Sokolina, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
Security was heightened at the Constitutional Court on Tuesday, after a mob of angry Yoon supporters went on a rampage through the district court that issued a warrant to extend his detention early on Sunday.
—Reuters, CNN, 21 Jan. 2025
The about-face on electric-vehicle policies adds to a climate of uncertainty and peril heightened by the president’s promise to impose 25 percent tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico, which are major suppliers of cars and car parts to the United States.
—Jack Ewing, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2025
The soundtrack is a triumph, expertly blending contemporary radio hits with nostalgic gems to heighten the film’s energy.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 21 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 30 Jan. 2025.
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