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
The pro-Hindu nationalism of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has heightened communal tensions in the country.
—
Farah N. Jan, The Conversation, 10 May 2025
With trust eroding and little progress made, the diplomatic window appears to be narrowing, heightening the risk that regional tensions could tip into open conflict.
—Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
The move, targeting one of Trump’s key advisors, is certain to further heighten tensions between Brussels and Washington.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 8 May 2025
Having so much stuff only heightened my existential crisis of bringing my kids into a massive climate disaster.
—Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for heighten
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Farah N. Jan, The Conversation, 10 May 2025
With trust eroding and little progress made, the diplomatic window appears to be narrowing, heightening the risk that regional tensions could tip into open conflict.
—Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
The move, targeting one of Trump’s key advisors, is certain to further heighten tensions between Brussels and Washington.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 8 May 2025
Having so much stuff only heightened my existential crisis of bringing my kids into a massive climate disaster.
—Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 8 May 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 17 May. 2025.
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