italicize

verb

ital·​i·​cize ə-ˈta-lə-ˌsīz How to pronounce italicize (audio)
i-,
ī-
italicized; italicizing

transitive verb

1
: to print in italics or underscore with a single line
2
: emphasize
the microphone italicizes every curdled top noteP. G. Davis
italicization noun

Examples of italicize in a Sentence

high-definition television italicizes every line and wrinkle in an actor's face
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In a startlingly modern conception, the negative space of Claudel’s abrupt amputation exposes — and italicizes — the human body’s dense, inescapable physicality. Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024 Incumbent candidates are italicized with their party affiliation noted next to their name. Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY, 1 Nov. 2024 The Messages app can now bold or italicize text, and users can now react to messages using emojis instead of the previously available options, which included a question mark, exclamation point, heart and thumbs-up. Kif Leswing, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2024 The first of which is the ability, finally, to italicize and bold text. Anthony Karcz, Forbes, 16 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for italicize 

Word History

First Known Use

1795, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of italicize was in 1795

Dictionary Entries Near italicize

Cite this Entry

“Italicize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/italicize. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

italicize

verb
ital·​i·​cize ə-ˈtal-ə-ˌsīz How to pronounce italicize (audio)
i-,
ī-
italicized; italicizing
: to print in italics or underline with a single line

More from Merriam-Webster on italicize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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