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
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 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
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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 11 May. 2026.
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