heightened; heightening
ˈhīt-niŋ 
ˈhī-tᵊn-iŋ
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
Lurking in the background are heightened geopolitical risks.
—
Jeff Sommer, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2024
The East Bay aviation complex — which, like its busier competitor to the west, abuts San Francisco Bay — is seeking a new name to heighten its profile among air travelers visiting the Bay Area.
—George Avalos, The Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2024
The company’s shares are down 37 percent since the start of the year on news of fewer EV deliveries to customers and heightened competition from China.
—Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 17 Apr. 2024
While all gifts are thoughtful, during those adolescent years preferences for certain items are heightened.
—Jacqueline Laurean Yates, ABC News, 17 Apr. 2024
My senses were heightened, taking in the cosmic light show, listening to the sounds of the forest, and feeling the cool drop in temperature.
—Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 16 Apr. 2024
The make of the vehicle seemed to heighten the drama.
—Ben Finley, Quartz, 13 Apr. 2024
The prospect of Sammi and Ronnie being in each other's presence again seems to heighten their emotions, if not their romantic feelings.
—Chris Jordan, USA TODAY, 12 Apr. 2024
The show heightens the idea that this story is being told under duress, as a confession tortured out of The Captain, who is under interrogation in a communist reeducation camp back in Vietnam.
—Laura Zornosa, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2024
Jeff Sommer, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2024
The East Bay aviation complex — which, like its busier competitor to the west, abuts San Francisco Bay — is seeking a new name to heighten its profile among air travelers visiting the Bay Area.
—George Avalos, The Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2024
The company’s shares are down 37 percent since the start of the year on news of fewer EV deliveries to customers and heightened competition from China.
—Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 17 Apr. 2024
While all gifts are thoughtful, during those adolescent years preferences for certain items are heightened.
—Jacqueline Laurean Yates, ABC News, 17 Apr. 2024
My senses were heightened, taking in the cosmic light show, listening to the sounds of the forest, and feeling the cool drop in temperature.
—Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 16 Apr. 2024
The make of the vehicle seemed to heighten the drama.
—Ben Finley, Quartz, 13 Apr. 2024
The prospect of Sammi and Ronnie being in each other's presence again seems to heighten their emotions, if not their romantic feelings.
—Chris Jordan, USA TODAY, 12 Apr. 2024
The show heightens the idea that this story is being told under duress, as a confession tortured out of The Captain, who is under interrogation in a communist reeducation camp back in Vietnam.
—Laura Zornosa, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'heighten.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near heighten
Cite this Entry
“Heighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heighten. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.
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