heightened 1 of 2

Definition of heightenednext

heightened

2 of 2

verb

past tense of heighten

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of heightened
Adjective
The film lives in a mythic register and takes place in a heightened version of our world. Lovia Gyarkye, IndieWire, 16 May 2026 During this period, there’s a heightened risk for complications such as infection, hemorrhage, heart issues, sepsis and preeclampsia. Roni Robbins, AJC.com, 15 May 2026 Organizers are warning runners of heightened temperatures this weekend, and are putting multiple precautions in place along the trail. Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 15 May 2026 The practice of visiting another country to receive healthcare — including cosmetic and reproductive treatments — that isn't available or is less expensive abroad has received heightened attention as some share their journeys on social media. Liz Knueven, CNBC, 15 May 2026 In an era of heightened political violence, any high-profile public event is a potential target for extremists, and the country remains deeply polarized and heavily armed. Nick Miroff, The Atlantic, 15 May 2026 The report comes amid heightened scrutiny of Patel’s mixing of personal leisure with official business, allegations of excessive alcohol consumption, use of an FBI jet for personal trips and reports of erratic behavior. Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 14 May 2026 Expect heightened scrutiny, tighter controls, and potentially a change of venue request from the defense. Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2026 Conducted as the war in Iran was breaking out and logistical constraints began to arise from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the survey revealed that 61 percent of executives believe the impacts of heightened duties are still the most difficult factor to manage in today’s business climate. Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 12 May 2026
Verb
Through writing the screenplay and collaborating with Young and Johnson, Harris was able to flesh out these characters in a way that heightened the tragic undertones of their story. Lovia Gyarkye, IndieWire, 16 May 2026 Everything in this screen world is heightened, slightly off-kilter, but entirely plausible (with the exception being Ruby’s wretched body, still burning after all these years). Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 15 May 2026 But, the emotion was heightened by watching his bond with the late Paul Walker form on the big screen. Angelique Jackson, Variety, 14 May 2026 Parents say the controversy and pain caused by use of confinement boxes in the district's elementary schools has been heightened and complicated by the fact that some school employees involved in the practice are members of the Akwesasne Mohawk tribal community. Brian Mann, NPR, 14 May 2026 And with overseas conflicts and geopolitical tensions heightened now, this uncertainty doesn't appear ready to subside any time soon. Matt Richardson, CBS News, 14 May 2026 Larsson said his second season has heightened his perspective. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 2026 For Iranian artists long exiled from their homeland, the conflict has heightened the difficulties and dangers of keeping in touch with family and colleagues in Iran. Andrew Gilbert, Mercury News, 13 May 2026 Russia heightened security for Victory Day celebrations Saturday, including shutting down mobile internet in Moscow and warning of potential retaliatory strikes if Ukrainian attacks disrupt the event. Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heightened
Adjective
  • Strategic Takeaways Cultivating more biomass traditionally means processing at higher volumes, increased SKU complexity, additional labor, higher overhead costs and the waste of natural resources and utilities at every step of the chain.
    Thomas Andersen, Rolling Stone, 14 May 2026
  • At Pinewood, the program has sparked increased interest in dance and the arts across campus, with younger students expressing interest in participating and teachers incorporating performances into school-wide events.
    Daily News, Daily News, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • With Boston ruled out just before tip-off due to a lower leg injury, the spotlight on Caitlin Clark intensified.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2026
  • Moreno, a health director for a labor union, said he was consumed at the time with his job, which suddenly intensified as the COVID-19 pandemic swept the country.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • When France lifted the trophy two weeks later, ‘l’episode de l’extincteur’ was held up as a moment that had helped bring the squad closer together.
    Tom Williams, New York Times, 17 May 2026
  • Masatake Yoshida lifted a sacrifice fly to tie the score at 1-all.
    Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 17 May 2026
Adjective
  • Against the backdrop of tight supply, analysts expect the current environment of elevated oil prices to persist for some time.
    , CNBC, 18 May 2026
  • Hernandez's death comes amid a Beach Hazards Statement for the Monterey County coastline this weekend due to high winds, dangerous surf, strong rip currents, rough shore breaks and elevated waves.
    Cecilio Padilla, CBS News, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • Meehan’s family soon moved to the Toures’ neighborhood, and the friendship deepened.
    Yudhijit Bhattacharjee, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
  • Relations between China and Russia have deepened in recent years, particularly since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022 left Moscow shunned on the global stage and heavily reliant on Beijing for trade due to Western sanctions.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 May 2026
Verb
  • Analysts have raised concerns about concentration risks in South Korea's stock market, with an overreliance on a small group of companies raising the risk of volatility and vulnerability to geopolitical shocks, including a slowdown in data-center spending.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 18 May 2026
  • Woldenberg, in response to the tariffs, had implemented a hiring freeze, put off plans to build a new warehouse, and raised the prices of his firm’s products.
    John Cassidy, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
Adjective
  • But the barrier to entry is higher than usual, given that the movie is a continuation of a TV show that has been on for three seasons.
    Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 16 May 2026
  • For those wishing to hone their game, The Kingdom at Reynolds Lake Oconee, created in partnership with TaylorMade, offers innovative technology and personal instruction at the highest level.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 16 May 2026
Verb
  • Herrero also sought to use practical effects throughout the film, including gunfire and explosions, often enhanced with visual effects.
    Ed Meza, Variety, 16 May 2026
  • ChatGPT Enterprise offers enhanced privacy protections, larger context windows, and administrative controls appropriate for law firms and legal departments handling confidential client information.
    AllBusiness, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Heightened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heightened. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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