emphasize

verb

em·​pha·​size ˈem(p)-fə-ˌsīz 

emphasized; emphasizing

transitive verb

: to place emphasis on : stress

emphasized the need for reform

Synonyms

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

Examples of emphasize in a Sentence

supermarket tabloids that emphasize sensational news stories

that huge belt buckle only emphasizes his big gut

Recent Examples on the Web

The Blockchain Association emphasizes the lack of developer control over user funds, while Coin Center argues that the defendants’ activity doesn’t justify sanctions liability. —Andrea Tinianow, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025

Shearing emphasized that there are no true winners in a tariff war, as higher prices harm consumers and disrupt global supply chains. —Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025

In the past, Sheinbaum has clarified that her government is not looking to promote censorship but rather to preserve traditional Mexican music while emphasizing other values. —Natalia Cano, Billboard, 10 Apr. 2025

The time frame is another indicator that emphasizes the difficulty. —Bob Spear, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

emphas(is) + -ize

First Known Use

1793, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing emphasize

• de-emphasize
• re-emphasize

Rhymes for emphasize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• agonize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize

Kids Definition

emphasize

verb

em·​pha·​size ˈem(p)-fə-ˌsīz 

emphasized; emphasizing

: to place emphasis on : stress as being important or so as to stand out