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.

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

Saudi Arabia issued a statement to emphasize that freedom of navigation in the Hormuz must be exercised without any restrictions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

As Salon has previously reported, experts emphasize measles isn’t just a fever and a rash as anti-vaccine influencers portray online.

From Salon • Apr. 8, 2026

Gran feels the need to emphasize that I resemble “the Cleveland family” but Jakob resembles “the other side.”

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin

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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