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
The review, which researchers presented on April 7 at an American College of Cardiology (ACC) annual conference, suggests that the risk is especially heightened for women.
—
Maggie O'Neill, Health, 10 Apr. 2024
The University of Arizona, then the only university in the state, vehemently opposed the change for years and the issue only heightened the rivalry between the two institutions.
—Laura Daniella Sepulveda, The Arizona Republic, 10 Apr. 2024
Last Friday’s job figures for March heightened the conundrum.
—John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 9 Apr. 2024
Trouble in Times Square Public awareness of the gang’s presence in New York was heightened earlier this year by a viral video showing alleged gang members beating up a couple of police officers in Times Square.
—Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2024
The covert operation is now heightening concerns that Tehran is seeking to turn the West Bank into the next flashpoint in the long-simmering shadow war between Israel and Iran.
—Eric Schmitt, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2024
Many were on street corners, where buildings can be subjected to twisting forces that heighten damage.
—Evan Bush, NBC News, 4 Apr. 2024
The biggest reason for this is what's called the entourage effect, where the other components of the cannabis plant that are less refined work in tandem with the CBD to heighten the effects.
—Chrono Therapeutics, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
But heightened Hezbollah attacks could be one means of retaliation.
—Jane Arraf, NPR, 1 Apr. 2024
Maggie O'Neill, Health, 10 Apr. 2024
The University of Arizona, then the only university in the state, vehemently opposed the change for years and the issue only heightened the rivalry between the two institutions.
—Laura Daniella Sepulveda, The Arizona Republic, 10 Apr. 2024
Last Friday’s job figures for March heightened the conundrum.
—John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 9 Apr. 2024
Trouble in Times Square Public awareness of the gang’s presence in New York was heightened earlier this year by a viral video showing alleged gang members beating up a couple of police officers in Times Square.
—Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2024
The covert operation is now heightening concerns that Tehran is seeking to turn the West Bank into the next flashpoint in the long-simmering shadow war between Israel and Iran.
—Eric Schmitt, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2024
Many were on street corners, where buildings can be subjected to twisting forces that heighten damage.
—Evan Bush, NBC News, 4 Apr. 2024
The biggest reason for this is what's called the entourage effect, where the other components of the cannabis plant that are less refined work in tandem with the CBD to heighten the effects.
—Chrono Therapeutics, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
But heightened Hezbollah attacks could be one means of retaliation.
—Jane Arraf, NPR, 1 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.
Word History
First Known Use
1523, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a
Dictionary Entries Near heighten
Cite this Entry
“Heighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heighten. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
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More from Merriam-Webster on heighten
Nglish: Translation of heighten for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of heighten for Arabic Speakers
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