adjective Uncommon

heightened

HEYE-tuhnd

Heightened (adjective) means Made more intense or noticeable than usual. Example: “Security was on heightened alert after the incident.”

adjective

Made more intense or noticeable than usual.

"Security was on heightened alert after the incident."

"There's a heightened sense of anxiety in the markets today."

How to use heightened

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishMore intense, more alert, or more noticeable than the normal level.

Common pairings

heightened alert heightened tension heightened risk

Word forms

more heightened comparative, most heightened superlative

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Security was on _____ alert after the incident.

Rhymes for heightened

opened saddened awakened unopened hardened darkened softened sickened weakened burdened loosened flattened

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Frequently asked questions

What does “heightened” mean?

The word “heightened” means made more intense or noticeable than usual. In plain terms, more intense, more alert, or more noticeable than the normal level.

How do you pronounce “heightened”?

“Heightened” is pronounced HEYE-tuhnd (/ˈhaɪtənd/ in IPA).

How do you use “heightened” in a sentence?

Here is “heightened” used in a sentence: “Security was on heightened alert after the incident.”

What part of speech is “heightened”?

“Heightened” is an adjective.

Is “heightened” a common word?

“Heightened” is an uncommon word in modern English.