underscore

1 of 2

verb

un·​der·​score ˈən-dər-ˌskȯr 

underscored; underscoring; underscores

transitive verb

1

: to draw a line under : underline

2

: to make evident : emphasize, stress

arrived early to underscore the importance of the occasion

3

: to provide (action on film) with accompanying music

underscore

2 of 2

noun

1

: a line drawn under a word or line especially for emphasis or to indicate intent to italicize

2

: music accompanying the action and dialogue of a film

Synonyms

Verb

• accentuate
• bring out
• emphasize
• italicize
• stress
• underline

Examples of underscore in a Sentence

Verb

These failures underscore the difficulty of what we're attempting to do.

The President's visit underscores the administration's commitment to free trade.

She underscored the most important points.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

This new identity has been underscored by a set of guiding norms—Connect, Collaborate, and Commit—that drive the team's approach. —Peter High, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024

As an additional argument, NASCAR underscores that it should be treated as a sports enterprise under antitrust law. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 24 Oct. 2024

Noun

Survival outerwear by Kosuke Tsumura emerges as the exception to the no-clothing rule, while Mathieu Pernot’s photos of migrants lacking shelter underscore how private space is not always available. —Amy Verner, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2024

Tree diagrams mapping consolidation in the electronic health records market from 1992 to 2024 underscore Faulkner’s point. —Katie Jennings, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1771, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1901, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

underscore

verb

un·​der·​score

ˈən-dər-ˌskō(ə)r,

-ˌskȯ(ə)r

1

: to draw a line under : underline

2

: emphasize

underscore noun