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Synonyms

heat up

Idioms  
  1. Become acute or intense, as in If inflation heats up, the interest rate will surely rise, or The debate over the budget was heating up. [Early 1200s]


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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Scientists warn the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events will increase as the planet continues to heat up because of fossil fuel emissions.

From Barron's Aug. 10, 2026

Tiny particles of comet material enter the atmosphere at tremendous speed, heat up, and produce bright streaks across the sky.

From Science Daily Aug. 5, 2026

Some oil CEOs say pressure on the industry could heat up if the price rally continues.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 28, 2026

Although sodium-ion batteries cost more than lithium ones, Mossburg said their battery systems still save customers money: The technology does not heat up like lithium, so it eliminates the need for expensive cooling technology.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 8, 2026

“Thought I’d come down and heat up some warm milk and pie. That’s what your gram always did for me when I was a kid.”

From "How to Disappear Completely" by Ali Standish

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