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
The case comes at a time of heightened uncertainty within the district, where the school board recently voted to place Superintendent Alberto Carvalho on leave pending a federal investigation that has been reported to involve a past contract with an outside education technology company. Teresa Liu, Daily News, 28 Mar. 2026 District scrutiny and investigations Bill Elliott announced his retirement in January 2026 amid heightened scrutiny of the district's handling of Caleb Elliott's hiring and supervision. Doug Myers, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026 Kovacich’s parole hearing came amid heightened scrutiny of California’s early release programs for inmates. Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2026 Against a backdrop of heightened uncertainty, Middle Eastern investment funds, a major source of capital for private equity globally, may also be taking a pause with outbound commitments at least for the near term, Thompson said. Anniek Bao, CNBC, 27 Mar. 2026 Kuwait reported its port was attacked by drones, while sirens sounded in Bahrain and Qatar briefly issued a heightened security alert. Npr Staff, NPR, 27 Mar. 2026 Advocates have been walking a fine line since these allegations because of the heightened response by the federal government and state governments, including Texas. Jess Huff, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026 Khandelwal and Fajgelbaum, both members of the National Bureau of Economic Research, estimated that around 90 percent of the duties were absorbed by importers, with foreign exporters absorbing just 10 percent of the heightened cost. Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 27 Mar. 2026 They are born into heightened status anxiety and must maneuver to get ahead. Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
Inflation fears have heightened, as has uncertainty. Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2026 Mental health concerns have only heightened as AI chatbots that respond to questions and generate content become more popular. Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2026 Tensions were heightened recently when the General Synod failed to agree on reforms related to same-sex unions, leaving one of the most delicate debates for the institution’s future unresolved. Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 27 Mar. 2026 That anxiety is only heightened after the couple arrives at Nicky’s family’s winter cabin, where they’re set to be married in five days. Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2026 That's because lower interest rates carry the risk of worsening inflation, and the spike in oil prices has heightened those worries. Arkansas Online, 27 Mar. 2026 The president’s focus on his affordability agenda in an election year has heightened the profile of the effort. Daniel Payne, STAT, 27 Mar. 2026 That’s because lower interest rates carry the risk of worsening inflation, and the spike in oil prices has heightened those worries. Stan Choe, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026 The conversation heightened Hardaway’s temptation to pick Denver among a handful of suitors in free agency. Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 22 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heightened
Adjective
  • Curtis Reigh, one of nine Republicans running for county commissioner, also cited the lack of public comment at board meetings as a reason for increased interest among candidates, including younger contenders.
    Rhiannon Evans, Baltimore Sun, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Allergy season brings airborne irritants, which include tree, grass, and ragweed pollen that trigger immune responses, which cause increased swelling.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Among those whose commitment to Israel had intensified after October 7th, numerous sources told me, was Olitzky, Beth El’s senior rabbi.
    Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Israel has intensified its attacks across Lebanon, mostly in the South, where Israeli ground troops are moving northward to try to oust Hezbollah militants.
    NPR Staff, NPR, 29 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Laying on his side in the crease, the goalie lifted his left pad to stop Dahlin's shot from the slot.
    CBS News, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Tatum played the entire fourth quarter for the second straight game, his minutes limit seemingly lifted.
    Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • On Shabbat, the Acheinu, a prayer for liberating those held in captivity, was recited from the bimah, an elevated platform where sermons are often delivered.
    Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Although winds will be mostly light, between 5 and 10 mph, the dry air combined with very dry vegetation will result in a continuation of elevated fire danger.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 29 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Cooperation between the countries has deepened in recent years, with the North sending troops and conventional weapons to support Russia's war against Ukraine.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Her voice—newly deepened and textured—became the most important instrument in the room, the centerpiece of every song.
    Jackson Howard, Pitchfork, 29 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The trip raised hopes among some members on the WhatsApp chain that expressions of empathy toward Palestinians will become more common at Beth El, both from the bimah and in synagogue-wide communications.
    Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Together, the reports signal a possible escalation in the Iran -war — the fallout of which has already rattled markets and raised fears of broader supply chain disruptions and higher global prices.
    Dylan Butts, CNBC, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • An assembly of planets moves through your ninth house, putting travel, expansion, and higher purpose at the center of your month.
    Kirah Tabourn, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Strus went on to enter halftime with a game-high 22 points.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Yet in the 12 games since his return, despite initial rustiness, Flagg has enhanced his diverse talents, a clear indication Kidd’s early-season decision to play him at point guard was a beneficial litmus test.
    Brad Townsend, Dallas Morning News, 28 Mar. 2026
  • But advertising executives say that, thanks to enhanced targeting capabilities and new ad products, ad tiers have quietly become more lucrative than their ad-free counterparts.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 27 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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