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
The Trump administration prioritized ending funding for projects related to diversity, equity and inclusion, with an emphasis on research about health disparities affecting people of color and LGBTQ people.
—
Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 15 Aug. 2025
His emphasis on unity and small movements toward accommodating the Latin Mass has raised some hope for a breakthrough.
—Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 14 Aug. 2025
Juvenile crime has been a point of emphasis amid the Trump administration's federalization move.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Although a lawyer’s lifetime achievements were considered, emphasis was placed on their most recent accomplishments.
—Liane Jackson, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for emphasis
Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 15 Aug. 2025
His emphasis on unity and small movements toward accommodating the Latin Mass has raised some hope for a breakthrough.
—Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 14 Aug. 2025
Juvenile crime has been a point of emphasis amid the Trump administration's federalization move.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Although a lawyer’s lifetime achievements were considered, emphasis was placed on their most recent accomplishments.
—Liane Jackson, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for emphasis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for emphasis
Noun
-
But now a new movie has come along with a distinct focus.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Variety,
15 Aug. 2025
-
Before this, the fast fashion giant filed to list in London but has struggled to receive regulatory approval before shifting its focus to Hong Kong.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
15 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
La Costa’s group fitness classes span everything from yoga, spin, and Pilates to power boxing, high intensity interval training, and cardiovascular boot camp.—
Joe Yogerst,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
-
Cuomo would also have to demonstrate to the public how detrimental a Mamdani win would be to New York City and the Democratic Party, and deliver a higher level of intensity and passion in his messaging.—
Tom Rogers,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Chronic stress from the threat of separation can harm those children’s mental and physical health, according to Gutierrez.—
Dalia Faheid,
CNN Money,
16 Aug. 2025
-
Check mature plants for signs of water stress, especially on specimens more than 30 years old.—
Tina Chen,
Mercury News,
15 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Importantly, the relative weight of individual versus relationship factors was different in parent–child relationships compared to marital relationships.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
18 Aug. 2025
-
In our younger years, it can be tied to experimentation, risk, and sometimes even the weight of outside validation.—
Karissa Mitchell,
Essence,
18 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
As those markets mature, attention shifts toward practical applications that enhance business operations rather than create new trading vehicles.—
Sean Lee,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
-
Around the same time that Friedland gained national attention—in 2023, after the 1975 front man, Matty Healy, went on the show and laughed at racist jokes about the rapper Ice Spice—a change started to occur.—
Brady Brickner-Wood,
New Yorker,
13 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Emphasis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/emphasis. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share