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
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Recent Examples of heightened
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
Alison Herman, Variety, 8 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
Norepinephrine is tied closely to alertness and cognitive focus, which helps explain why participants in cold-exposure studies often report heightened mental clarity right after immersion.
—Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 6 May 2026
But heightened tensions between the White House and Vatican might delay such a homecoming.
—Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026
Opponents have heightened their scrutiny of Reform and the Greens in an effort to stop their rise.
—ABC News, 5 May 2026
Exercise heightened caution during this period.
—Southern California Weather Report, Daily News, 4 May 2026
Around Mira and her friends, my own insecurities were heightened.
—Anna Wiener, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
And the rapid spread in recent years has heightened security concerns across the country, particularly in the capital, where sensitive military and political sites are concentrated.
—Todd Symons, CNN Money, 2 May 2026
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
This turn for the heightened has both benefits and drawbacks.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 8 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
Norepinephrine is tied closely to alertness and cognitive focus, which helps explain why participants in cold-exposure studies often report heightened mental clarity right after immersion.
—Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 6 May 2026
But heightened tensions between the White House and Vatican might delay such a homecoming.
—Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026
Opponents have heightened their scrutiny of Reform and the Greens in an effort to stop their rise.
—ABC News, 5 May 2026
Exercise heightened caution during this period.
—Southern California Weather Report, Daily News, 4 May 2026
Around Mira and her friends, my own insecurities were heightened.
—Anna Wiener, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
And the rapid spread in recent years has heightened security concerns across the country, particularly in the capital, where sensitive military and political sites are concentrated.
—Todd Symons, CNN Money, 2 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heightened
Adjective
-
The documentary spotlights Felix’s public dispute with Nike in her battle for increased maternal protections in contracts with sponsors — specifically, that athletes could face a pay cut or stoppage, as well as a loss of health insurance, after giving birth.—
Tina Sturdevant,
New York Times,
10 May 2026
-
And experts warn that with more visitors comes an increased risk of contamination, illness and other damage to the continent.—
Sam McNeil,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
Several candidates said the case has intensified conversations around ethics and accountability, while also highlighting broader frustrations residents already had with City Hall responsiveness and city services.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
9 May 2026
-
Forgoing the traditional show of force in favor of security, the parade took place after intensified Ukrainian strikes deep inside Russian territory, particularly against oil refineries, as the Ukrainian government accuses the Kremlin of continuing attacks on Kyiv and beyond.—
Zahra Ullah,
CNN Money,
9 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
-
Landau also recommended this pair for its grippy bottoms and elevated heel, which can relieve foot pressure.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
PEOPLE,
10 May 2026
-
According to battery specialists, one of the key concerns at elevated temperatures is the stability of the SEI, or Solid Electrolyte Interphase, layer.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
10 May 2026
Verb
-
China, which has deepened military and economic cooperation with both Pakistan and Iran in recent years, has publicly celebrated Pakistan's role in facilitating indirect communications between Tehran and Washington.—
James LaPorta,
CBS News,
11 May 2026
-
On the witness stand, Nadella testified that OpenAI retained its independence even as the Microsoft-OpenAI partnership deepened over time.—
David Ingram,
NBC news,
11 May 2026
Verb
-
Any Avs postseason game refereed by Kelly Sutherland automatically starts with one eyebrow raised.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
10 May 2026
-
Uhrman, who raised two children while building a successful career as a media and entertainment executive, speaks from experience.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 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
Cite this Entry
“Heightened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heightened. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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