de-emphasize

verb

de-em·​pha·​size (ˌ)dē-ˈem(p)-fə-ˌsīz How to pronounce de-emphasize (audio)
de-emphasized; de-emphasizing; de-emphasizes

transitive verb

: to reduce in relative importance
also : play down
de-emphasis noun

Examples of de-emphasize in a Sentence

you're at a point in your career where you can de-emphasize your academic record and emphasize your work experience
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
However, some Christians have criticized the musical for de-emphasizing the divinity of Jesus and showing Judas as a sympathetic character. Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025 But its muted black-and-white layout appears to be an attempt by the lawyers to de-emphasize the frenzy that has surrounded their client, said Diana Rickard, a professor who teaches criminal justice at Borough of Manhattan Community College. Hurubie Meko, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025 Since the late 1990s, most American students have been taught to read according to an approach called balanced literacy, which de-emphasizes phonics and explicit decoding in favor of fostering pleasure in reading. Thomas Howell, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025 He's made more than 60 appearances each of the last two seasons, and was much better for the Astros after the trade with the Yankees, de-emphasizing his four-seam fastball and increasing his breaking ball usage. Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for de-emphasize

Word History

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of de-emphasize was in 1938

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Cite this Entry

“De-emphasize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/de-emphasize. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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