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

Undeniably, though, his time at Villa was punctuated by extreme highs and lows, with his first, and worst, injury leaving lingering regret. —Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025

That point was further punctuated on Thursday at Maples Pavilion, when the Golden Bears beat Stanford 75-72. —Christian Babcock, The Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2025

Her podcast feels like being in an old-school gay bar where intergenerational groups learn from one another, sharing outrageous stories, hot gossip and tips for survival, always punctuated by laughter and looking forward to what’s next. —Candace Hansen, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025

Those opinions are usually punctuated by scolding those who do not immediately comply. —Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2025

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