Definitions

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.

He said he wanted the Fed to take a fresh look at a range of operational questions, from how officials communicate with the public to which inflation statistics they emphasize in their deliberations.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

Health officials emphasize, however, that the risk to the public from the outbreak is low.

From Salon • May 9, 2026

To emphasize the points, Palantir said during the earnings call that it had replaced its legacy customer relations management software with a new solution built on AIP.

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

Sometimes the forest greens turn red to emphasize extreme states of mind and signal hallucinations.

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2026

I find the rituals comforting—the tried-and-true hymns, sermons by the mild- mannered, slope-shouldered reverend that emphasize decency and good manners.

From "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline

Vocabulary lists containing emphasize

The SAT: Language of the Test, List 2

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

The Language of Standardized Tests, List 1

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Tier 2 Words for the SBAC ELA Items

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!