punctuate

verb

punc·​tu·​ate ˈpəŋk-chə-ˌwāt 

punctuated; punctuating

transitive verb

1

: to mark or divide (written matter) with punctuation marks

2

: to break into or interrupt at intervals

the steady click of her needles punctuated the silence

—Edith Wharton

3

: accentuate, emphasize

intransitive verb

: to use punctuation marks

punctuator

ˈpəŋk-chə-ˌwā-tər 

noun

Synonyms

• accent
• accentuate
• emphasize
• feature
• foreground
• highlight
• illuminate
• play up
• point (up)
• press
• stress

Examples of punctuate in a Sentence

Do you know how to punctuate a sentence correctly?

punctuated each and every word of his denial with a pound of his fist on the table

Recent Examples on the Web

There’s a late-harvest glint to the guitar here, distinctly offset by a roadhouse stomp, punctuating Snoop’s poignant reminiscences. —Will Dukes, Rolling Stone, 13 Dec. 2024

The result is a work of remarkable depth, personality and experience, punctuated by Parker’s lively cartooning. —Rob Salkowitz, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024

Named for Henry Walker Crabb, 2019 HWC Cab is and has aromas of ripe red and black fruits punctuated by finely ground cinnamon and nutmeg with flavors of black cherry and black raspberry. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 12 Dec. 2024

Look for blazer-like details like the ones in Aritzia’s The Constant coat, or the sharp lines punctuating Another Tomorrow’s double-faced trench. —Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 9 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin punctuatus, past participle of punctuare to point, provide with punctuation marks, from Latin punctus point

First Known Use

circa 1766, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

punctuate

verb

punc·​tu·​ate ˈpəŋ(k)-chə-ˌwāt 

punctuated; punctuating

1

: to mark or divide with punctuation marks

2

: to interrupt at intervals

a speech punctuated by a harsh cough