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
Billie Bugara, Pitchfork, 9 May 2026
The intelligence assessment also claims that Putin is in a heightened state of paranoia, fearing assassination or a possible coup, and has limited his travel and public appearances.
—Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 8 May 2026
But the strategy increasingly hinges on one political figure whose own democratic intentions are now under heightened scrutiny.
—Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 8 May 2026
Still, the Canvas breach will bring the group even more notoriety and heightened scrutiny from law enforcement.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 8 May 2026
Studies in California have shown significant spikes in absences in communities experiencing heightened enforcement, as families fear detention or separation.
—Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
Under state law, cities must document a heightened safety risk before adding a new red-light camera.
—Theo Karantsalis, Miami Herald, 7 May 2026
The win comes amid heightened focus on local elections as Democrats and Republicans vie for influence across the country ahead of November's midterm races.
—Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 6 May 2026
More redistricting fights may lie ahead The heightened focus on the races highlights how central redistricting and gerrymandering have become to Trump’s political strategy ahead of the midterms.
—Tiago Ventura, Time, 6 May 2026
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
Playoffs are heightened, and everything’s emotional to begin with.
—Fluto Shinzawa, New York Times, 1 May 2026
The war has also heightened danger in shipping oil and brought collateral damage to oil-industry infrastructure, among other factors.
—Julia Gomez, USA Today, 30 Apr. 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, 30 Apr. 2026
That pressure was only heightened when early images from the production sparked backlash online.
—Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026
These health risks are heightened by weak systems for water, sanitation and healthcare.
—Kaveh Madani, The Conversation, 29 Apr. 2026
After the project stalled in 2014, Epstein heightened his communication with Gates and his deputies, seemingly trying to pressure the billionaire into supporting the fund and compensating him for funding Antonova’s schooling and housing.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
The biggest beneficiary of Galaxy’s heightened ambition may have been its narrative, which mainline Mario games had long struggled to enhance via their music.
—Billie Bugara, Pitchfork, 9 May 2026
The intelligence assessment also claims that Putin is in a heightened state of paranoia, fearing assassination or a possible coup, and has limited his travel and public appearances.
—Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 8 May 2026
But the strategy increasingly hinges on one political figure whose own democratic intentions are now under heightened scrutiny.
—Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 8 May 2026
Still, the Canvas breach will bring the group even more notoriety and heightened scrutiny from law enforcement.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 8 May 2026
Studies in California have shown significant spikes in absences in communities experiencing heightened enforcement, as families fear detention or separation.
—Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
Under state law, cities must document a heightened safety risk before adding a new red-light camera.
—Theo Karantsalis, Miami Herald, 7 May 2026
The win comes amid heightened focus on local elections as Democrats and Republicans vie for influence across the country ahead of November's midterm races.
—Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 6 May 2026
More redistricting fights may lie ahead The heightened focus on the races highlights how central redistricting and gerrymandering have become to Trump’s political strategy ahead of the midterms.
—Tiago Ventura, Time, 6 May 2026
Verb
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
Playoffs are heightened, and everything’s emotional to begin with.
—Fluto Shinzawa, New York Times, 1 May 2026
The war has also heightened danger in shipping oil and brought collateral damage to oil-industry infrastructure, among other factors.
—Julia Gomez, USA Today, 30 Apr. 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, 30 Apr. 2026
That pressure was only heightened when early images from the production sparked backlash online.
—Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026
These health risks are heightened by weak systems for water, sanitation and healthcare.
—Kaveh Madani, The Conversation, 29 Apr. 2026
After the project stalled in 2014, Epstein heightened his communication with Gates and his deputies, seemingly trying to pressure the billionaire into supporting the fund and compensating him for funding Antonova’s schooling and housing.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heightened
Adjective
-
Beyond the frequent urination Wayans experienced, type 2 diabetes symptoms can include increased thirst and hunger, weight loss, frequent infections, tingling in the hands and feet, darkened patches on the skin and dry skin.—
Samantha Agate,
Miami Herald,
1 May 2026
-
In order to meet increased demand, DPS launched 14 of these Multi-Intensive Autism, or MIA, classrooms throughout the district this year, with plans to open nine more.—
Chierstin Roth,
CBS News,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
In the ’90s, the blockbuster sales of two flea-and-tick medications, Frontline and Advantage, demonstrated untapped demand, and then intensified that demand by enabling new levels of indoor intimacy between dogs and people.—
Ross Andersen,
The Atlantic,
2 May 2026
-
Fear of breaking the law has intensified The reverberations of Florida’s six-week ban have been felt in doctors’ offices and emergency departments across the state.—
Cindy Krischer Goodman,
Sun Sentinel,
2 May 2026
Verb
-
Then four kills from Fuerbringer, blocks from Miles Crotty and Colby Grahm and a kill from Crotty lifted Mira Costa to a 19-10 lead.—
Lou Ponsi,
Oc Register,
10 May 2026
-
The sewage would then be ground up by a pump inside the sump and lifted up 8 feet or so to dump into the elevated building drain.—
Tim Carter,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
While driving - Stick to the middle lanes and stay on elevated ground.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
3 May 2026
-
Instead of bigger SUVs or higher trims — versions of a model with more features and elevated prices — many shoppers are sticking with simpler options like compact sedans, entry-level pickups or the most basic version on the dealer's lot.—
Mike Winters,
CNBC,
3 May 2026
Verb
-
From there, the connection deepened quickly.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
4 May 2026
-
Renewable energy The global oil crisis has only deepened the desire by many countries to transition to clean energy, which could be a boon for the sector.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
2 May 2026
Verb
-
Obama raised millions of dollars, produced a raft of advertisements, and took the unusual step of endorsing dozens of candidates for state legislative office.—
Peter Slevin,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
Last June, Russian banks raised red flags on a potential debt crisis as high interest rates weighed on borrowers’ ability to pay off loans.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
3 May 2026
Adjective
-
That could mean more high-density housing in several city neighborhoods, including the College Area, Hillcrest, North Park, City Heights, University Heights, Normal Heights, Rolando, Talmadge and downtown.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 May 2026
-
In the meantime, tensions remain high off the Iranian coast after the two sides exchanged fire May 7.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
This sprawling resort has undergone a multi-million dollar renovation over the last 10-plus years, work that has refreshed rooms and the lobby, added a coffee shop, and enhanced wellness perks.—
Jess Hoffert,
Midwest Living,
9 May 2026
-
Additionally, the trails running through and around the outer edge of the forest will be enhanced to improve accessibility.—
Jenna Ebbers,
Kansas City Star,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Heightened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heightened. Accessed 10 May. 2026.
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