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.

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

Researchers emphasize that larger studies are still needed before immunotherapy could become a standard depression treatment.

From Science Daily • May 28, 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

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

From Science Daily • May 24, 2026

These noble and selfish functions are inextricably linked, although some governments emphasize much more of one function than of the other.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

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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