emphasize

[em-fuh-sahyz] / ˈɛm fəˌsaɪz /

VERB

stress, give priority to

Synonyms

STRONGEST

accentuate affirm assert highlight indicate maintain point out reiterate repeat underline underscore

STRONG

accent articulate charge dramatize enlarge enunciate headline hit impress italicize mark pinpoint press pronounce punctuate spotlight weight

WEAK

bear down dwell on insist on labor the point limelight make a point make clear make emphatic make much of play up point up put accent on rub in

Antonyms

STRONGEST

deny

STRONG

lose mumble

WEAK

depreciate forget ignore play down understate

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“We’re Back!” will likely emphasize the playful side of Williams, who once hosted “Saturday Night Live” during his NBC years.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

The researchers emphasize that reducing both the use of these feedstocks and their leakage is becoming increasingly important, especially as global demand for products like plastics continues to grow.

From Science Daily • Apr. 16, 2026

Management was keen to emphasize that their forecasts already incorporate the possibility of export restrictions imposed by governments on sales of its products to China.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

Yun Sun, director of the China program of the Washington-based Stimson Center, said China's reticence was out of character and suspected Iran may have strategically tried to emphasize Beijing's power of persuasion.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

“We can be rehabilitated,” I would emphasize, and point to myself as an example.

From "A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier" by Ishmael Beah

Vocabulary lists containing emphasize

The SAT: Language of the Test, List 2

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Tier 2 Words for the SBAC ELA Items

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The Language of Standardized Tests, List 1

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