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.

General questions like “How am I doing?” become invitations to give managers praise and reassurance, even if you emphasize that you want honest input.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

Despite the heavy element of retail participation, analysts and strategists emphasize that the South Korean market has genuine fundamental appeal to investors.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026

The researchers emphasize that the results are promising but have not yet been tested for effectiveness in humans.

From Science Daily • Jun. 1, 2026

Costume designer Amy Parris built lifts into Bower’s shoes to help him look taller and the team added padding under his arms to emphasize Vecna’s more imposing stance.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

It is important to emphasize this because the word slave itself defines these people in such a narrow way.

From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis

Vocabulary lists containing emphasize

The SAT: Language of the Test, List 2

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The Language of Standardized Tests, List 1

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Tier 2 Words for the SBAC ELA Items

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