heightened 1 of 2

heightened

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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 memorial comes amid heightened concern over political violence, with recent assassinations of public figures prompting campaigns to reassess event safety. Amanda Castro hannah Parry shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025 In moments of heightened anxiety, logical reasoning barely works because the nervous system is on high alert. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025 Meanwhile, lawmakers on Capitol Hill are wrestling with the fallout from Wednesday’s assassination, which stunned the country, sent shock waves through Washington and sparked new talk — and new fears — about congressional security in an age of heightened political animus. The Hill, 13 Sep. 2025 The apparent hoaxes come amid heightened concern over campus safety following the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during an event at Utah Valley University. N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025 Romero added that the calls were particularly intimidating at this raw time of heightened political tension and rhetoric. Sasha Pezenik, ABC News, 12 Sep. 2025 Anyone with a heightened profile in this political climate – politicians, judges or otherwise – are facing increasing threats. Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 11 Sep. 2025 Already guaranteed to have a heightened presence after Charlie Kirk's assassination, security was boosted throughout the ballpark with the Secret Service and sniffer dogs outside the gates. Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 11 Sep. 2025 The opener will be presented at the Center for Dance, an intimate performance space that can bring a heightened level of engagement for audiences. Lisa Vernon Sparks, Charlotte Observer, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
Zarutska, 23, died in a public knife attack on Charlotte Area Transit System’s Lynx Blue Line in late August, and her death heightened discussions about safety on and near the city’s public transit. Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 16 Sep. 2025 Several individuals have faced professional consequences for public comments about Kirk's death, and security has been heightened at related locations. Amanda Castro hannah Parry joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025 In the postwar years, however, inflation picked up, and the United States’ entry into the Korean War, in June, 1950, heightened inflationary pressures. John Cassidy, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025 The pressure has only heightened the need for UGVs to take on frontline logistics tasks, reducing the risks faced by human operators. David Kirichenko, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025 And heightened security measures – whether widespread bag checks in places where nearly everyone is carrying a bag or the use of metal detectors – slow that down. Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2025 The sharp drop in mortgage rates owes in part to government data showing a significant decline in hiring, which has heightened expectations that the Federal Reserve will slash interest rates and in turn put downward pressure on borrowing costs, some analysts told ABC News. Max Zahn, ABC News, 13 Sep. 2025 Exercise heightened caution during this period. Southern California Weather Report, Oc Register, 12 Sep. 2025 Opened in 1946, the diner was the first in the city to hire African Americans in front-of-house roles during a time when racial tensions were heightened, and its inclusive legacy has lived on. Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 9 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heightened
Adjective
  • For example, there are those who argue that semiannual earnings reports may put increased pressure on management to provide smaller, more frequent updates to keep investors up to date.
    Zev Fima, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Its studies showed no increased risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or other adverse events.
    Meg Tirrell, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The southern resident population faces exceptional challenges that have intensified reproductive failures.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Meanwhile, Russia has intensified its long-range strikes on Ukraine.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But when Allen lifted himself off the MetLife Stadium field after a run against the Jets, waved for backup Mitch Trubisky to immediately replace him, and then sprinted off the field as if he were being timed in the 40-yard dash, the four-time Pro Bowl tackle was downright scared.
    Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
  • The weight should be considered if the bike has to be moved by hand very often or will be lifted onto a vehicle's bike rack.
    Rick Barrett, jsonline.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The Fed is in a tricky spot, balancing a weakening labor market while inflation remains relatively elevated.
    John Towfighi, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2025
  • This defense looks the same — even with elevated talent — and the offense looked regressive in the opener.
    Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 14 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • His affection for sunflowers deepened after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
    Christine Fernando, Twin Cities, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The dynamic only deepened as gun ownership expanded.
    Maurizio Valsania, The Conversation, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Getty Images Rec, a technology company serving the parks and recreation industry, has raised $11 million in a Series A funding round in which several former and current professional athletes participated.
    Tim Casey, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • The Eco Wave Power logo is displayed on a floater raised out of the water during a demonstration of Eco Wave Power electricity generation technology using the power of ocean waves in the harbor at AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, California, on August 26, 2025.
    Jeff Young, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Turkish Defense Ministry/AP Key Takeaways Larger carriers carry more aircraft, fuel, and supplies for longer operations but come with higher costs, bigger crews, greater risk from advanced weapons, and trouble in tight or shallow waters.
    Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Linebacker Luke Ferrelli, a redshirt freshman from Carlsbad High School, has a team-high 27 tackles, followed by junior linebacker Cade Uluave (24) and junior defensive back Isaiah Crosby (21).
    Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Originally intended to replace the existing F-22, the NGAD plane is planned to have enhanced stealth, weapon-carrying ability, and also a ‘loyal wingman’ drone.
    Abhishek Bhardwaj, Interesting Engineering, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Our favorites helped our razors glide smoothly across the skin for an ultra-close shave, while aloe vera and almond oil soothed, hydrated, and enhanced the skin’s appearance — mitigating irritation.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Heightened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heightened. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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