as in increased
being at a higher level than average
there were heightened levels of lead in the drinking water
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in intensified
to make markedly greater in measure or degree
several controversial measures have heightened parental awareness of the impact of school policy decisions
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in lifted
to move from a lower to a higher place or position
heightened the hem on her skirt just a couple of inches
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of heightened
Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 3 Apr. 2026
Security experts add that the delay between identifying a threat and receiving funding can leave institutions without the protections recommended by security professionals during periods of heightened risk.
—Ariella Noveck, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 2026
These items, combined with heightened geopolitical tensions and overseas conflicts, then resulted in the Federal Reserve keeping interest rates paused in its mid-month meeting.
—Matt Richardson, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
In the nostalgic new spot, Barber leans all the way into the heightened world of ‘90s sitcom comedy, blending exaggerated reactions, fourth-wall breaks and playful absurdity all while wearing the brand’s signature hands-free sneakers.
—Brittany Talarico, PEOPLE, 2 Apr. 2026
Notably, the new store is in Chengdu, rather than Shanghai, Beijing, or Guangzhou, offering an early signal of how the brand is flexing its China strategy at a time of heightened pressure on the luxury sector.
—Yiling Pan, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2026
However, because Iraq lacks its own tanker fleet and depends on chartered vessels, shipments ultimately hinge on whether tanker owners are willing to accept the heightened risks of making the journey.
—ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026
All three nonprofit leaders said the heightened enforcement created a climate of fear for all immigrants.
—Igor Studenkov, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026
The office of the AG comes with a heightened level of subpoena power.
—J.c. Hallman, Oklahoma Watch, 31 Mar. 2026
Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2026
Mental health concerns have only heightened as AI chatbots that respond to questions and generate content become more popular.
—Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2026
Tensions were heightened recently when the General Synod failed to agree on reforms related to same-sex unions, leaving one of the most delicate debates for the institution’s future unresolved.
—Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 27 Mar. 2026
That anxiety is only heightened after the couple arrives at Nicky’s family’s winter cabin, where they’re set to be married in five days.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2026
That's because lower interest rates carry the risk of worsening inflation, and the spike in oil prices has heightened those worries.
—Arkansas Online, 27 Mar. 2026
The president’s focus on his affordability agenda in an election year has heightened the profile of the effort.
—Daniel Payne, STAT, 27 Mar. 2026
That’s because lower interest rates carry the risk of worsening inflation, and the spike in oil prices has heightened those worries.
—Stan Choe, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
The conversation heightened Hardaway’s temptation to pick Denver among a handful of suitors in free agency.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 22 Mar. 2026
Adjective
Sites across Paris have been subject to heightened security since the incident.
—Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 3 Apr. 2026
Security experts add that the delay between identifying a threat and receiving funding can leave institutions without the protections recommended by security professionals during periods of heightened risk.
—Ariella Noveck, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 2026
These items, combined with heightened geopolitical tensions and overseas conflicts, then resulted in the Federal Reserve keeping interest rates paused in its mid-month meeting.
—Matt Richardson, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
In the nostalgic new spot, Barber leans all the way into the heightened world of ‘90s sitcom comedy, blending exaggerated reactions, fourth-wall breaks and playful absurdity all while wearing the brand’s signature hands-free sneakers.
—Brittany Talarico, PEOPLE, 2 Apr. 2026
Notably, the new store is in Chengdu, rather than Shanghai, Beijing, or Guangzhou, offering an early signal of how the brand is flexing its China strategy at a time of heightened pressure on the luxury sector.
—Yiling Pan, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2026
However, because Iraq lacks its own tanker fleet and depends on chartered vessels, shipments ultimately hinge on whether tanker owners are willing to accept the heightened risks of making the journey.
—ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026
All three nonprofit leaders said the heightened enforcement created a climate of fear for all immigrants.
—Igor Studenkov, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026
The office of the AG comes with a heightened level of subpoena power.
—J.c. Hallman, Oklahoma Watch, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
Inflation fears have heightened, as has uncertainty.
—Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2026
Mental health concerns have only heightened as AI chatbots that respond to questions and generate content become more popular.
—Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2026
Tensions were heightened recently when the General Synod failed to agree on reforms related to same-sex unions, leaving one of the most delicate debates for the institution’s future unresolved.
—Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 27 Mar. 2026
That anxiety is only heightened after the couple arrives at Nicky’s family’s winter cabin, where they’re set to be married in five days.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2026
That's because lower interest rates carry the risk of worsening inflation, and the spike in oil prices has heightened those worries.
—Arkansas Online, 27 Mar. 2026
The president’s focus on his affordability agenda in an election year has heightened the profile of the effort.
—Daniel Payne, STAT, 27 Mar. 2026
That’s because lower interest rates carry the risk of worsening inflation, and the spike in oil prices has heightened those worries.
—Stan Choe, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
The conversation heightened Hardaway’s temptation to pick Denver among a handful of suitors in free agency.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 22 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heightened
Adjective
-
Curtis Reigh, one of nine Republicans running for county commissioner, also cited the lack of public comment at board meetings as a reason for increased interest among candidates, including younger contenders.—
Rhiannon Evans,
Baltimore Sun,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Allergy season brings airborne irritants, which include tree, grass, and ragweed pollen that trigger immune responses, which cause increased swelling.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Among those whose commitment to Israel had intensified after October 7th, numerous sources told me, was Olitzky, Beth El’s senior rabbi.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Israel has intensified its attacks across Lebanon, mostly in the South, where Israeli ground troops are moving northward to try to oust Hezbollah militants.—
NPR Staff,
NPR,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Teammates encouraged her and one even lifted her chin, but the damage was done.—
David Brandt,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Minutes later, Malenstyn got to the front and lifted home a rebound.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
On Shabbat, the Acheinu, a prayer for liberating those held in captivity, was recited from the bimah, an elevated platform where sermons are often delivered.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Although winds will be mostly light, between 5 and 10 mph, the dry air combined with very dry vegetation will result in a continuation of elevated fire danger.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Cooperation between the countries has deepened in recent years, with the North sending troops and conventional weapons to support Russia's war against Ukraine.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Her voice—newly deepened and textured—became the most important instrument in the room, the centerpiece of every song.—
Jackson Howard,
Pitchfork,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The trip raised hopes among some members on the WhatsApp chain that expressions of empathy toward Palestinians will become more common at Beth El, both from the bimah and in synagogue-wide communications.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Together, the reports signal a possible escalation in the Iran -war — the fallout of which has already rattled markets and raised fears of broader supply chain disruptions and higher global prices.—
Dylan Butts,
CNBC,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
More importantly, Slaughter expanded her game, operating more in the post, rebounding at a higher level and continuing to handle the ball effectively.—
Aaron Segal,
Kansas City Star,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Those who leave earlier — by May 31 — are eligible for the highest financial incentive.—
Ivan Taylor,
CBS News,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
At the Smart Works capsule collection launch in 2019, Meghan enhanced the look with gold accessories and brown heels.—
Katherine J Igoe,
InStyle,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Microsoft, whose stock sunk 23% in the first quarter, has ramped up spending on data centers for cloud customers such as OpenAI, and investors are seeking signs that products enhanced with AI models will boost revenue and profitability.—
Jordan Novet,
CNBC,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Heightened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heightened. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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