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.

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

She guided Parker through questions he had while filling out applications, encouraging him to consider and emphasize his skills, needs and goals: “I felt that was better than letting him go blindly.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 24, 2026

The researchers emphasize that the study does not prove the medications caused the symptoms discussed online.

From Science Daily • May 24, 2026

The researchers emphasize that the impacts of this single pesticide were noted across broad areas of the brain.

From Science Daily • May 21, 2026

These patterns emphasize the differences between the stronger and weaker beats to help the performers keep track of where they are in the music.

From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones

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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