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.

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

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2026

Reviews of apical periodontitis emphasize how frequently these infections go unnoticed.

From Science Daily • May 16, 2026

Under the new term PMOS, clinicians aim to emphasize the condition’s metabolic dimension, including its links to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes risk and cardiovascular health.

From Salon • May 16, 2026

YouTube will emphasize Shorts, creator partnerships and new AI offerings at its upfront event to attract ad dollars from social media and TV.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026

Hassan pounded on the steering wheel to emphasize his excitement.

From "An Abundance of Katherines" by John Green

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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