punctuate

verb

punc·​tu·​ate ˈpəŋk-chə-ˌwāt 

punctuated; punctuating

transitive verb

1

: to mark or divide (written matter) with punctuation marks

2

: to break into or interrupt at intervals

the steady click of her needles punctuated the silence

—Edith Wharton

3

: accentuate, emphasize

intransitive verb

: to use punctuation marks

punctuator

ˈpəŋk-chə-ˌwā-tər 

noun

Synonyms

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

Examples of punctuate in a Sentence

Do you know how to punctuate a sentence correctly?

punctuated each and every word of his denial with a pound of his fist on the table

Recent Examples on the Web

Art critics agree Howe’s style was punctuated by dynamic motion, bright colors and pristine lines. —Debra Utacia Krol, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024

The duo’s elegant arrangements of traditional instruments and construction of haunting soundscapes are perfectly in tune with characters whose difficult lives are punctuated by moments of joy and hope. —Richard Kuipers, Variety, 19 Nov. 2024

Popular pop and country songs blaring over the sound system were punctuated by an Italian opera aria, and finally the warm-up speakers, all local politicians, made their dutiful speeches. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

As the slow food movement is punctuated by cooking with seasonal produce, so traveling in tune with the seasons reminds us to reconnect to and care for the planet. —Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin punctuatus, past participle of punctuare to point, provide with punctuation marks, from Latin punctus point

First Known Use

circa 1766, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

punctuate

verb

punc·​tu·​ate ˈpəŋ(k)-chə-ˌwāt 

punctuated; punctuating

1

: to mark or divide with punctuation marks

2

: to interrupt at intervals

a speech punctuated by a harsh cough