heightened 1 of 2

heightened

2 of 2

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
As these bikes become more readily available and more affordable, more Johnson County cities have rules put in place to ensure safety — or are going back to the drawing board entirely — because of heightened community concerns. Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 8 Sep. 2025 Russian military aircraft and vessels frequently operate in the area, prompting heightened alert in Japan. Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025 Wright and Cooke both lean right into the emotionally heightened madness of it all, especially as Laura and Cherry’s cold war turns extremely, violently hot. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2025 But what is causing the heightened contamination levels? Christopher Cann, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025 This might sound counterintuitive, but actually reflects a state of heightened attentional engagement. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 The investment underscores heightened investor buzz around the quantum computing space. Ryan Browne, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2025 However, the bathroom is a hard-working part of the home, often met with heightened levels of heat and humidity from hot showers, and may not be well-suited to safely house your stuff. Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 2025 The event commemorates the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II, highlighting Beijing’s efforts to showcase military power and deepen alliances at a time of heightened global tensions. Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Verb
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 Utilities are reduced in phases, while security is often heightened and maintenance pared down to essentials. Kristin Mueller, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 Standing in the hulking concrete box—the open-air nucleus of the home—evokes being in a James Turrell Skyspace, your senses heightened to the shifting of the light or the passing of clouds. Siobhan Reid, Robb Report, 7 Sep. 2025 Williams still kept the idea of natural tones for Ivy but heightened them. Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2025 Playing against the Chiefs only heightened the trip, as far as James was concerned. Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 4 Sep. 2025 The experience also heightened his desire to be part of the American side for the Olympics in February. Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 4 Sep. 2025 The drama was further heightened by Texas Republican leaders’ calls to track down, fire, or arrest the quorum-breakers. Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2025 This is heightened when women embrace their sexuality. Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heightened
Adjective
  • Women who take birth control pills or are pregnant may also face an increased risk.
    Adrianna Rodriguez, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025
  • As the Internet, and now AI, enabled increased firms’ capabilities, and customers acquired more power in the marketplace, the most successful firms were those that embraced startingly different principles.
    Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Chinese policymakers have intensified efforts aimed at reining in excessive price cuts that have eroded corporate profits while doing little to spur demand.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Oli's government lifted the ban after protests intensified on Monday, with police firing tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters trying to storm parliament.
    Gopal Sharma, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The country’s Home Affairs Minister resigned, and the government lifted the social-media ban the day after.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The mass protests started in response to the ban—which was lifted on Tuesday, September 9—but have since broadened into an expression of dissatisfaction with the country's political leadership and alleged corruption.
    Robert Birsel Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The service may be unique due to the lie-flat seats, but Twiliner is not the first to introduce an elevated bus experience.
    Opheli Garcia Lawler, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Mencer and Grobmyer traveled to the nation's capital as farms and other operations continue to struggle with low crop prices and elevated production costs.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • On the product front, the brand has deepened its footprint in skin care and broadened laterally into makeup hybrids.
    WWD Staff, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2025
  • What might otherwise be a straightforward creepy historical novel is deepened by these uncanny phrasings, and Ravn’s attention to the social bonds in this world.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The decision upheld a previous denial by the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission over traffic concerns raised by city officials and in more than 300 public comments.
    Rose Evans September 10, Idaho Statesman, 10 Sep. 2025
  • After new state data showed substantial academic gains, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education members defended a six-figure consulting contract Tuesday that raised questions earlier this year about family connections to the district.
    Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • However, the AmCham Shanghai survey found 14% of the respondents reported the environment for foreign businesses in China was worsening, with the tech sector seeing the highest challenges at 31% of industry respondents.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025
  • If you are trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and call 911 if possible.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • According to the statement, with the backing of PAI, Marcolin has broadened its international reach and enhanced operational efficiency, reinforcing itself as a leading player in the wholesale eyewear market.
    Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 5 Sep. 2025
  • There will be enhanced medical and sports science areas.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Heightened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heightened. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on heightened

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!