heightening 1 of 2

Definition of heighteningnext

heightening

2 of 2

verb

present participle of heighten

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of heightening
Noun
It all sticks — every Dutch angle, inventively silly camera placement, and enthusiastic heightening of high-noon suspense. James Grebey, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2026 Lighting designer Esquire Jauchem softens and brightens above and around the ever-moving Rubinstein as topics and memories call for the heightening and muting of the president’s feelings and emotions. Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 20 Jan. 2026 Just a day later, Neptune retrograde shifts into Pisces, heightening intuition and deepening emotional awareness with entirely new depth. Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
Meanwhile, his ex-wife—played by Field—becomes increasingly self-reliant, heightening the strain between them. Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 27 Apr. 2026 While lower costs could boost margins for existing developers, the technology will also lower barriers to entry, potentially heightening competition. Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2026 What Everyone’s Reading The US is waiting for a response from Iran before peace talks can restart, with the impasse in their war and heightening tension over the Strait of Hormuz causing energy prices to rise again. Peter Martin, Bloomberg, 23 Apr. 2026 The monochrome treatment emphasizes silhouette, proportion and shadow, allowing form and texture to take precedence while heightening the sensory experience. Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 20 Apr. 2026 The mistake also comes amid heightening tension between sports streamers and more legacy sports media companies. Scott Soshnick, Sportico.com, 16 Apr. 2026 Soyfer said Flock cameras are often near sensitive facilities, heightening the privacy concern that people could be tracked on those streets. Kevin Collier, NBC news, 15 Apr. 2026 But mortgage rates have been mostly rising since the war with Iran began, sending energy prices surging and heightening worries about higher inflation. ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026 In the meantime, a full blockade of the strait could force China to become more directly involved in a conflict that is already heightening tensions with Washington. Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heightening
Noun
  • The initiative will also support developing countries through outreach such as training, advisory services and institutional strengthening.
    Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Adelphi offers policy proposals across the IP spectrum that are meant to counterbalance the international strengthening of IP laws, regulations, and enforcement.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Once free of quota constraints, the Emirates can up its production by more than 40% to 5 million barrels per day, intensifying competition in markets where sub-Saharan Africa’s higher-cost producers are already vulnerable.
    Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The market value of media and entertainment stocks remains suppressed, however, amid intensifying competition from tech and streaming companies.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Removing these bargain fares is also lifting the average ticket price.
    Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Robbie Ray combined with four relievers on a six-hitter, lifting the Giants to their first home win against the Marlins since August of 2024.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Rain chances increase this afternoon with a focus from midafternoon through a bit beyond sunset expected.
    Ian Livingston, Washington Post, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The Pentagon's budget request this year also asked for more than $70 billion to procure missiles and related equipment, a nearly threefold increase compared to last year.
    James LaPorta, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • These spillover effects are deepening an arc of instability stretching from Europe to the Middle East, from Africa to Asia.
    Sudarsan Raghavan, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2026
  • While announcing Jacobson’s hiring, Stagwell said her responsibilities will include expanding ReachTV’s footprint and deepening its content partnerships.
    Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Walker was also experiencing a mental health issue and was shot after raising a knife.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Several early tests failed, raising questions about the program’s future.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The ballroom includes a military bunker as part of its national security enhancements, and has been under construction for months, but faces legal hurdles.
    Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Before the enhancements, only about 50 acres of the island had been developed.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The expansion is also expected to add more natural light, green space and a new lobby in the hopes of enhancing comfort and care for families, hospital leaders, who touted the tower as a ‘transformative project,’ said on Wednesday.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Work may need to be repeatedly translated between systems, increasing the effort required for alignment without necessarily enhancing output.
    Matt Emma, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Heightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heightening. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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