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.

For Patton Oswalt, it’s at slop bowls, an Internet slang term used to describe fast-casual meals that emphasize efficiency rather than flavor or any soul.

From Salon • Jun. 8, 2026

"I can't emphasize enough how awful the process is to not know what's coming next," she said.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

“It’s important to emphasize that our fundamental business drivers remain strong,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

The scientists emphasize that additional studies will be needed to confirm the results.

From Science Daily • Jun. 1, 2026

The artist’s enhancement of life may emphasize, at certain times, those aspects that a politician can use.

From "Black Boy" by Richard Wright

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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