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

Vance’s selection as Trump’s running mate had punctuated an astounding rise. —Benjamin Wallace-Wells, The New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2024

Harris’ Cochise was a gang member with a defiant fashion sense, punctuated by a heavy turquoise necklace and headband. —Zoe G. Phillips, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Oct. 2024

Verdant trees and lush grass frame the composition, punctuated by colorful hats and dresses, engaging our eyes in a dance with the canvas. —Natasha Gural, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024

His command wasn’t there either, leading to two walks in an inning punctuated by Pete Alonso’s three-run homer, his first of the series. —Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 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