underscore

1 of 2

verb

un·​der·​score ˈən-dər-ˌskȯr How to pronounce underscore (audio)
underscored; underscoring; underscores

transitive verb

1
: to draw a line under : underline
2
: to make evident : emphasize, stress
arrived early to underscore the importance of the occasion
3
: to provide (action on film) with accompanying music

underscore

2 of 2

noun

1
: a line drawn under a word or line especially for emphasis or to indicate intent to italicize
2
: music accompanying the action and dialogue of a film

Examples of underscore in a Sentence

Verb These failures underscore the difficulty of what we're attempting to do. The President's visit underscores the administration's commitment to free trade. She underscored the most important points.
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.
Verb
While the Trump administration insists its actions are necessary for national security, legal challenges have underscored the power of the judiciary to scrutinize and potentially restrain executive immigration policy. Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 May 2025 Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday held a series of bilateral talks with foreign officials who had attended Moscow’s own celebrations marking the defeat of Nazi Germany, in an apparent attempt to underscore the West’s failure to isolate it on the global stage. Samya Kullab, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2025
Noun
Though designed as a data center, its fire-safe structure and rapid construction timeline underscore 3D printing’s potential for large-scale, resilient infrastructure. Michael Molitch-Hou, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025 That Reno is in the top three underscores Climate Central's point that rainfall intensity is rising in places that are generally dry, not just those that get at least a decent amount of annual rainfall. Alex Fitzpatrick, Axios, 2 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for underscore

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1771, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1901, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of underscore was in 1771

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Underscore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underscore. Accessed 17 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

underscore

verb
un·​der·​score
ˈən-dər-ˌskō(ə)r,
-ˌskȯ(ə)r
1
: to draw a line under : underline
2
underscore noun

More from Merriam-Webster on underscore

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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