1
as in focus
a special notice or importance given to something
a prep school with a long-established emphasis on sports
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in intensity
the quality or state of being forceful (as in expression)
the emphasis with which my parents issued the warning about smoking left no doubt that they were serious
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of emphasis
Defense was also an emphasis for him over the winter.
—
Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 17 Feb. 2025
One of the most clear indications of this shift, aside from the introduction of ads to nearly every streaming platform, is an increased emphasis on live sports among streamers.
—Jamie Lang, Variety, 17 Feb. 2025
The emphasis is on obtaining higher yields from existing lands and reducing negative environmental impacts and operating costs.
—Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2025
Our society makes way too much emphasis on catering to people who can’t or won’t deal with their inability to adapt to things.
—Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for emphasis
Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 17 Feb. 2025
One of the most clear indications of this shift, aside from the introduction of ads to nearly every streaming platform, is an increased emphasis on live sports among streamers.
—Jamie Lang, Variety, 17 Feb. 2025
The emphasis is on obtaining higher yields from existing lands and reducing negative environmental impacts and operating costs.
—Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2025
Our society makes way too much emphasis on catering to people who can’t or won’t deal with their inability to adapt to things.
—Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for emphasis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for emphasis
Noun
-
When Mars moved into Cancer, the focus shifted to self-disclosure.—
Colin Bedell,
Them,
28 Feb. 2025
-
Sly and the Family Stone’s Documentary The pioneering group — and especially Sly himself — are the focus of Sly Lives (AKA The Burden of Black Genius).—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The green, figgy freshness cuts through the intensity of Extradose’s vanilla and rum, creating a fascinating contrast that feels both sophisticated and playful.—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
28 Feb. 2025
-
One of the film's key scenes, in which Doyle violently interrogates a suspect, didn't initially meet the intensity director William Friedkin envisioned.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
While pushing through stress may seem like strength, toughing it out at work is a form of stress mismanagement that harms your mental health and career trajectory.—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes,
1 Mar. 2025
-
Potassium helps produce sturdy plants and increases plants’ resistance to stress but overapplication of potassium (and too much of any nutrient) can cause other necessary nutrients to become unavailable to the plant.—
Rita Perwich,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The different weights of hyaluronic acid are able to penetrate different layers of the skin, which results in longer-lasting hydration and a plumper, smoother texture.—
Danielle Cohen,
Glamour,
19 Feb. 2025
-
Within five years, MedMen had collapsed under the weight of lawsuits, financial struggles and a dramatic boardroom coup.—
Javier Hasse,
Forbes,
19 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
There’s been a lot of attention this spring on the Red Sox’s uncertainty at third base.—
Chad Jennings,
The Athletic,
26 Feb. 2025
-
To command attention, develop a memorable visual identity, create a tone and voice that truly resonate, and ensure every interaction reflects your core values.—
Melissa Houston,
Forbes,
26 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Emphasis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/emphasis. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share