emphasize

verb

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

transitive verb

: to place emphasis on : stress
emphasized the need for reform

Examples of emphasize in a Sentence

supermarket tabloids that emphasize sensational news stories that huge belt buckle only emphasizes his big gut
Recent Examples on the Web The trepidation of what success could mean for an entire culture is in the air, and it’s emphasized by scenes of Biggie being chased out of hotels by security despite having a major hit, and members of Cypress Hill glancing sideways at a profile of Vanilla Ice in The Source. Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 14 June 2024 The collection emphasizes whimsical elegance in a dark and twisted way, according to Vogue. Dina Kaur, The Arizona Republic, 13 June 2024 The umbrella term does not automatically denote cancer, Deng emphasized. Julia Landwehr, Health, 13 June 2024 Court documents filed in response by Janice McNair and her other son, Cal McNair, who serves as chairman and CEO of the Texans, refute the allegations and emphasize their firm stance against the appointment of a guardian to control Janice’s medical and other decisions. Evan Rosen, New York Daily News, 13 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for emphasize 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'emphasize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

emphas(is) + -ize

First Known Use

1793, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of emphasize was in 1793

Dictionary Entries Near emphasize

Cite this Entry

“Emphasize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emphasize. Accessed 30 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

emphasize

verb
em·​pha·​size ˈem(p)-fə-ˌsīz How to pronounce emphasize (audio)
emphasized; emphasizing
: to place emphasis on : stress as being important or so as to stand out

More from Merriam-Webster on emphasize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!