Synonyms of heightened

heightened 1 of 2

adjective

as in increased

being at a higher level than average

there were heightened levels of lead in the drinking water

Synonyms & Similar Words

• increased
• elevated
• high
• raised
• up
• escalated
• extreme
• maximum
• jacked (up)
• peaked
• utmost
• inflated
• over
• maximized
• sky-high
• full
• overloaded
• overflowing
• oversize
• overfilled
• overlarge
• overfull

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• low
• down
• decreased
• dropped
• under
• depressed
• receded
• knockdown

heightened

2 of 2

verb

past tense of heighten

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

• intensified
• deepened
• enhanced
• strengthened
• consolidated
• reinforced
• accentuated
• amplified
• boosted
• sharpened
• broadened
• stepped up
• magnified
• expanded
• redoubled
• augmented
• emphasized
• extended
• beefed (up)
• accelerated
• lengthened
• enforced
• amped (up)
• supplemented
• enlarged
• pointed (up)
• quickened
• maximized
• exacerbated
• stressed
• hastened
• enlivened
• aggravated
• restrengthened
• jazzed (up)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reduced
• decreased
• diminished
• abated
• lessened
• weakened
• moderated
• subdued
• subsided
• receded
• waned
• dwindled
• tapered (off)
• alleviated
• eased
• lightened
• toned (down)
• let up (on)

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

• lifted
• elevated
• raised
• uplifted
• boosted
• hoisted
• upheld
• hiked
• upped
• heaved
• took up
• picked up
• mounted
• rose
• perked (up)
• jacked (up)
• upraised
• craned
• ascended
• hefted
• reared
• upended

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lowered
• dropped
• fell
• slipped
• pushed
• descended
• bore
• pressed
• plunged
• depressed
• dipped
• pitched
• sank
• submerged

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of heightened

Adjective

The heightened visibility of it all has divided some elders who, after living through periods of persecution, worry a new such era could dawn. — Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026

The ballot will be held against the backdrop of heightened political tensions as ruling populists seek to hold on to power despite widespread popular discontent. — Ivana Bzganovic, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Disney moves toward free streaming option Media companies have been facing heightened streaming competition from tech players – particularly Google's YouTube. — Cj Haddad,lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026

Victory Park and the streets surrounding the American Airlines Center will be under heightened security. — Marvin Hurst, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026

There are only four matches on the card, but each comes with heightened stakes. — Ryan Gaydos Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026

But even from the start, before Mona properly goes off the deep end, The Debut starts inuring us to her heightened perspective. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2026

The election will take place in an atmosphere of heightened political tensions as the populists seek to retain power despite widespread popular discontent. — ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026

The incident comes in the background of a heightened focus on the presence — and impact — of content creators on the event following a number of incidents, most prominently inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, the biggest court at the tournament. — Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Verb

Safety concerns around technology have also heightened as companies double down on advancing artificial intelligence. — Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026

That generally means lower interest rates but also heightened risk. — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026

His persistent claims raised sovereignty concerns and pushback from Greenlandic and Danish leaders and heightened tensions among NATO allies. — ABC News, 7 Sep. 2026

Italy's economy slows The milestone is particularly notable in a country long associated with political instability — a problem heightened by the 2010 to 2012 euro zone sovereign debt crisis — with 68 governments serving over 80 years. — Jenni Reid,chloe Taylor, CNBC, 5 Sep. 2026

Travel warnings have been heightened for Americans traveling in the Middle East. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 2 Sep. 2026

Slowing the playback speed deepens the pitch, an alien, ominous effect heightened by amplification. — Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026

The tote got a further leg up in the 21st century, when an increasingly casual office culture began to leave the briefcase behind, and heightened environmental concerns (and at times, legislation) prompted shoppers to bring their own reusable bags. — Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 31 Aug. 2026

Such mutinous talk only heightened conservative Justices’ sense that the barbarians were storming the gate. — Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026