heightened 1 of 2

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
In an age of heightened peer pressures, such as teen takeovers, leaders tell CBS News Detroit that good old-fashioned fun is the way to bring all ages together. Julia Avant, CBS News, 21 June 2026 When new or upgraded transmission lines cross farms, large facilities sit near neighborhoods, water systems get stress-tested, and fire departments need to manage heightened risks, local communities ask who should bear the costs and risks. Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026 The shift reflects strong corporate performance—median revenue and operating income rose 6% and 8%, respectively—and a heightened focus on executive retention. Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 17 June 2026 However, the bathroom is a hard-working part of the home, often met with heightened levels of heat and humidity from hot showers, and may not be well-suited to safely house your stuff. Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 17 June 2026 Additionally, the heightened spending reflects subsidy increases in the Port’s Clean Truck Fund rate, cost-of-living increases across staff salary and benefits, as well as outside inflationary pressures. Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 16 June 2026 With each new hole, the wind direction changes, demanding a heightened level of focus. Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 16 June 2026 Held in Évian-les-Bains, France, from June 15 to 17, this is the president’s fifth time attending the conference in person and comes amid heightened global turmoil, with the conflicts in Iran and Ukraine expected to loom large over the summit’s economic and geopolitical agenda. Emily Chang, ABC News, 15 June 2026 People who are exposed to heightened surveillance and who are at risk of being detained often cannot get reproductive health services, even when those serves are legal. Jallicia Jolly, The Conversation, 15 June 2026
Verb
That sense of contrast was further heightened by the building’s formidable history. Aditi Sharma, Architectural Digest, 13 June 2026 Exercise heightened caution during this period. Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 13 June 2026 But buying individual stocks generally carries greater financial risks than buying a basket of diversified securities — and those risks are heightened in the early days of an IPO, Ritter said. Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 12 June 2026 Scott said the operation did not improve public safety and instead heightened anxiety among immigrant residents. Racquel Bazos, Baltimore Sun, 11 June 2026 Officials evacuated a large portion of the area as the wind heightened the risk of spreading embers, said Sgt. ABC News, 11 June 2026 The intensity of the moment is further heightened by Smith’s masterful direction. Joe Otterson, Variety, 10 June 2026 What this means for the World Cup is heightened attention. Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 10 June 2026 Beijing is widely seen to be wary of that program, which has traditionally heightened American focus on the region and risks instability that could impact China, which shares a border with North Korea. Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 8 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heightened
Adjective
  • Feller has previously tested positive for the BRCA2 gene, which indicates an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancers, per Mayo Clinic.
    Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026
  • As even Mercola noted in 2010, several additional studies found no increased risk of cancer following the shot.
    Duaa Eldeib, ProPublica, 12 June 2026
Verb
  • While trust in the program may be damaged due to the case against one of their colleagues, the staff in recent days has only intensified their presence in communities, Mavronis said.
    Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 14 June 2026
  • In a recent report BMI, a Fitch Solutions company, said pressure on BYD’s profit margins had intensified.
    Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
Verb
  • In April, the California Department of Motor Vehicles revised its regulations for autonomous vehicles and lifted a ban on autonomous trucks weighing 10,001 pounds or more.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026
  • Scripted by David Koepp from Spielberg’s original story, Disclosure Day stars Josh O’Connor as Daniel Kellner, a cybersecurity expert who has lifted sensitive files about alien contact with the government.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • Keep a distance from tall, isolated trees or other elevated objects.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 14 June 2026
  • While driving - Stick to the middle lanes and stay on elevated ground.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 June 2026
Verb
  • The sheer scale of COVID’s spread has vastly deepened science’s understanding of the ways that viruses continue to affect the human body long after the initial illness has passed.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026
  • Often, the difficulties in interacting with them will only become apparent once the relationship has deepened.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
Verb
  • The accusations against Burton have raised questions about his criminal background and the vetting process city officials use before hiring someone for Safe Streets.
    Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 14 June 2026
  • Alex Call’s nice running catch of Edgar Quero’s foul down the left-field line ended the inning and raised the stakes.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2026
Adjective
  • Beren has achived high ratings from customers since moving into a stylish dining room that was formerly a vegetarian fine-dining restaurant.
    Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 June 2026
  • When nutrient levels are high, feasting algae can quickly reproduce.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • Both opted for rosy lips with a glossy finish—so chic—and a radiant complexion, enhanced by touches of peach blush.
    Laura Scafati, Vanity Fair, 20 June 2026
  • Decorative limestone and sandstone moldings adorned the building’s facades, while columns made from the same materials enhanced its splendor.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 20 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Heightened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heightened. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.

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