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.

The researchers emphasize that the study does not predict a sudden collapse of civilization.

From Science Daily • May 27, 2026

But there can be tremendous value in piecing together the difficult truth, and I’ve rarely seen two films so equipped to emphasize the importance in doing just that.

From Salon • May 25, 2026

Advertisers will not have full control over the final copy or imagery, but they can use a tool called AI Brief to emphasize or remove certain phrases.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

Fanning wanted to emphasize Margo’s writerly talents, an intention Kelley shared.

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2026

“The permit is in the glove box, remember?” she continued, arching an eyebrow to emphasize her point.

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall

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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