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
Also, by overweighting the same securities through passive vehicles, investors’ holdings look like a sea of sameness, heightening systematic risk and limiting diversification.
—
Mike Terwilliger, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2025
The effect is heightened for light fixtures.
—Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Oct. 2025
The issue has been heightened this month, after Sacramento Superior Court Judge Lauri Damrell shut down tribes’ attempt to sue card rooms for being in violation of state law.
—Kate Wolffe
october 23, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2025
Critics say the operations have heightened fear among residents and strained community relations, while federal officials argue that the measures are necessary to enforce immigration laws and detain individuals with criminal records.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for heighten
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Mike Terwilliger, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2025
The effect is heightened for light fixtures.
—Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Oct. 2025
The issue has been heightened this month, after Sacramento Superior Court Judge Lauri Damrell shut down tribes’ attempt to sue card rooms for being in violation of state law.
—Kate Wolffe
october 23, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2025
Critics say the operations have heightened fear among residents and strained community relations, while federal officials argue that the measures are necessary to enforce immigration laws and detain individuals with criminal records.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 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 30 Oct. 2025.
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