heightened 1 of 2

Definition of heightenednext

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
But women, who have higher rates of GLP-1 treatment use than men, may at be at heightened risk of bone weakening during menopause, when bone loss naturally accelerates. Bethany Brookshire, Scientific American, 29 May 2026 Pattie also noted the timing of Patagonia's lawsuit in the context of heightened anti-LGBTQ+ politics and attacks on the environment. David Chiu, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026 Hegseth has faced heightened scrutiny since the start of the war with Iran, with critics accusing him of taking an aggressive approach to both military strategy and public messaging. Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 27 May 2026 The study comes as the sun remains near the peak of Solar Cycle 25, a period of heightened solar activity that has already produced spectacular aurora displays across the globe. Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 26 May 2026 Hundreds of Americans were stranded in the state during February when the violence reached its peak, and the State Department issued a heightened travel alert. Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 26 May 2026 For sports leagues, concert promoters, and ticketing platforms, the practical consequences are likely to include heightened disclosure obligations, mandatory seat-specific pricing at the point of initial advertisement, and restrictions on the ability to change category designations after purchase. Corey Martin, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026 The style is used to express heightened emotions, such as excitement, joy, or rage. René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 May 2026 Wil Wheaton, who recurred as a heightened version of himself in the mothership series, makes a very quick cameo appearance in a new sizzle reel released Sunday by HBO Max. Denise Petski, Deadline, 25 May 2026
Verb
The dangers faced by health workers have been heightened by anger among residents over the stringent medical protocols for handling the victims’ bodies, which clash with local burial rites. Justin Kabumba, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026 The dangers faced by health workers have been heightened by anger among residents over the stringent medical protocols for handling the victims' bodies, which clash with local burial rites. CBS News, 31 May 2026 The advent of huge AI data centers around the world has heightened the importance of the networks of undersea cables. Tim Lister, CNN Money, 31 May 2026 In some communities distrust of outside authorities and aid organizations has led to attacks on treatment centers, while the outbreak’s spread through Ituri—a major commercial and migration hub—has heightened concerns about wider regional and international transmission. Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 May 2026 Fatal bicycle crashes in recent years have heightened concerns among bike safety advocates about the need for improved bicycle safety infrastructure in the south and southwest suburban region. Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026 Visuals are heightened by VESA DisplayHDR 1000 for extreme brightness, while an ergonomic stand and Picture-by-Picture multitasking maximize desktop utility. Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 29 May 2026 Those humans who currently get degrees in philosophy tend to find gainful employment not because organizations need philosophers, but because companies want people who have strong writing skills, can do analyses, think in abstractions, and have heightened communication skills. Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026 Everything feels heightened and more exciting. Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 22 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heightened
Adjective
  • The strongest effect came from increased feelings of security, trust and reliance within the relationship.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
  • But analysts see 2026 as a period of consolidation for the sector, in which bullishness over Europe's increased defense spending is replaced by greater scrutiny of individual companies' performance and fundamentals.
    Joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 30 May 2026
Verb
  • Clashes intensified this weekend as police with riot shields and officers on horseback pushed back demonstrators, some of whom tore down barricades, hurled objects and set tires ablaze outside the 1,000-bed facility.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026
  • At the same time, recovery from the Palisades and Eaton fires, which destroyed more than 16,000 structures, has further intensified frustrations around rebuilding, insurance costs and the city government’s response to crises.
    Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 31 May 2026
Verb
  • With one out in the fourth inning, Trea Turner lifted a fly ball into the gap between Tucker and center fielder Andy Pages.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
  • Ureña threw a 1-and-0 sinker over the middle and Diaz lifted it to the opposite field, just over the right field fence.
    Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • The waffle-stitch of this sweater tank is perfectly elevated and pairs beautifully with wide-leg or boyfriend jeans, skirts, and shorts.
    Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2026
  • But the elevated velocity didn’t seem to affect his performance beyond extending at-bats.
    Liana Handler, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026
Verb
  • Global economic outlook worsens over Iran war The US and Iran appeared still willing to reach a peace deal despite American strikes and Tehran’s threats of reprisals — but the global economic fallout from the conflict deepened.
    semafor.com, semafor.com, 29 May 2026
  • Tensions deepened Thursday in Lebanon as Israel conducted an airstrike on a southern suburb of the capital, Beirut, and other strikes in the southern coastal city of Tyre.
    Matthew Lee, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2026
Verb
  • Might a generation raised on social media, a force often credited with hastening the death of theatrical moviegoing, instead prove to be its salvation?
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 31 May 2026
  • Further negotiations between Israel and Lebanon scheduled this week in Washington raised speculation that the two sides could reach a new ceasefire, which Iran has demanded as a precondition of any broader diplomatic settlement with the US.
    Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 31 May 2026
Adjective
  • Newsom has since pointed to this high state funding to call on the federal government to step up its own investments into forest management work.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
  • The second highest waste generator that year, Tesla’s plant in Fremont, produced 115,136 pounds of MMA waste, by comparison, records show.
    Jason Henry, Oc Register, 30 May 2026
Verb
  • Upgraded features include enhanced on-and-off loading, including the ability for families to roll strollers directly into the glass cabin with ease.
    Carly Caramanna, Travel + Leisure, 29 May 2026
  • The study examined 518 manager-subordinate relationships and found that this leadership approach enhanced both employee thriving and performance through stronger positive job attitudes.
    Mary Hemphill, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Heightened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heightened. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

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