emphasize

verb

em·​pha·​size ˈem(p)-fə-ˌsīz 

emphasized; emphasizing

transitive verb

: to place emphasis on : stress

emphasized the need for reform

Synonyms

• accent
• accentuate
• feature
• foreground
• highlight
• illuminate
• play up
• point (up)
• press
• punctuate
• stress

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

Alan Brown, director of public affairs for the Alaska National Guard, emphasized that there were no immediate plans to change the status of the case to a recovery mission. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 8 Feb. 2025

However, Surya emphasized that her goal with This City is a Battlefield was never to make a documentary. —Sara Merican, Deadline, 8 Feb. 2025

Trump and Vice President JD Vance have emphasized that cuts to Social Security and Medicare are largely off the table except for fraud and abuse. —Ramsey Touchberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 8 Feb. 2025

Construction Partners continues to emphasize its strategy of growth through acquisitions and expansion in the Sunbelt region. —Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 7 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

emphas(is) + -ize

First Known Use

1793, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing emphasize

• de-emphasize
• re-emphasize

Kids Definition

emphasize

verb

em·​pha·​size ˈem(p)-fə-ˌsīz 

emphasized; emphasizing

: to place emphasis on : stress as being important or so as to stand out