de-emphasize

verb

de-em·​pha·​size (ˌ)dē-ˈem(p)-fə-ˌsīz How to pronounce de-emphasize (audio)
de-emphasized; de-emphasizing; de-emphasizes

transitive verb

: to reduce in relative importance
also : play down
de-emphasis noun

Examples of de-emphasize in a Sentence

you're at a point in your career where you can de-emphasize your academic record and emphasize your work experience
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
This isn’t surprising considering that offenses have de-emphasized throwing the ball downfield in favor of keeping the chains moving. Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 12 Oct. 2024 During his six-year term, López Obrador de-emphasized direct conflict with cartels and instead bolstered scholarships, job training, economic aid and other initiatives in a bid to provide alternative career paths for at-risk youth. Patrick J. McDonnell, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2024 Several of the reform proposals would de-emphasize the role of high-impact journals that charge pricey APCs as gatekeepers of quality in scientific scholarship. Byjeffrey Brainard, science.org, 1 Aug. 2024 The commission debated for months but was hopelessly divided over whether to overhaul the tax system to de-emphasize income taxes or increase budget reserves to cushion periodic decreases in revenues. Dan Walters, The Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for de-emphasize 

Word History

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of de-emphasize was in 1938

Dictionary Entries Near de-emphasize

Cite this Entry

“De-emphasize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/de-emphasize. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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