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

These are songs that iterate and elevate minor party fouls into dramas of symphonic proportion, arrangements that articulate the heightened emotions churning inside anxious minds. — Lily Goldberg, Pitchfork, 21 Oct. 2026

Washington should thus be prepared for the possibility that stepped-up efforts to terminate the war may coincide with heightened security risks in Europe. — Dmitry Adamsky, Foreign Affairs, 21 Oct. 2026

The record numbers of early voters could be a reflection of the heightened interest in this year's race as Georgia remains a key battleground state. — CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026

Without a strategic talent function, there is a heightened risk of critical workforce decisions becoming inherently reactive. — Syed Ahmad, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026

The case also comes during a period of heightened concern about thefts from European museums and religious institutions. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 16 Oct. 2026

The event as well as a luncheon the prior day in Santa Monica were rare displays of bipartisan unity at a time of heightened political polarization in the United States. — Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026

In spite of heightened security, the thefts go off as planned. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026

The second reason for heightened fear of spoilers has to do with changes—indeed, progress—in the art of the cinema. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2026

Verb

That concern has been heightened after reports that the military grade version of Starlink, called Starshield, that Ukraine relies upon for its operations, was temporarily slowed down last week, Talley said. — Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Recent mass protests and rioting in France have heightened the market's concerns. — Deena Zaidi,christopher Hayes, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026

Trump’s discordant message with one of the top concerns voters are voicing ahead of the midterm elections has seemed heightened by his fixation on beautifying Washington and building a large ballroom at the White House. — ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026

That acceleration heightened in a post-pandemic world, wherein nearly all tickets, plus in-stadium transactions, went digital. — Johnny Flores Jr, New York Times, 21 Oct. 2026

Russia also faces growing costs at home from Ukraine’s long-range strikes, which have disrupted energy and commercial infrastructure and heightened public anxiety over a prolonged war. — Eric Ciaramella, Foreign Affairs, 14 Oct. 2026

Attacks in the Black Sea have also heightened fears about global food security, as Ukraine is one of the world’s largest exports of grain. — Svitlana Vlasova, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026

Despite Bedard’s injury, the expectations for the 2026-27 Hawks were heightened. — Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 13 Oct. 2026

Though they couldn’t be seen, high pump white calfskin heels heightened Mulligan’s look, and the actress also brought along a pair of triomphe mini sunglasses in acetate. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026