emphasize

[ em-fuh-sahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, em·pha·sized, em·pha·siz·ing.

1. to give emphasis to; lay stress upon; stress: to emphasize the eyes with mascara.

   to emphasize a point;

   to emphasize the eyes with mascara.

   Synonyms: highlight, accentuate, accent

emphasize

/ ˈɛmfəˌsaɪz /

verb

1. tr to give emphasis or prominence to; stress

Other Words From

• hy·per·em·pha·size verb (used with object) hyperemphasized hyperemphasizing
• mis·em·pha·size verb (used with object) misemphasized misemphasizing
• re·em·pha·size verb (used with object) reemphasized reemphasizing
• su·per·em·pha·size verb (used with object) superemphasized superemphasizing
• un·em·pha·siz·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of emphasize¹

First recorded in 1820–30; emphas(is) + -ize

Example Sentences

As if Herbert playing all three sports wasn’t impressive enough, former Sheldon basketball coach Daniel Clark emphasized the way the teenager improved at all three despite minimal offseason training as he bounced between seasons.

From Los Angeles Times

Riley said the staff began emphasizing bowl eligibility after USC’s most recent loss to Washington.

From Los Angeles Times

He pressed pause and then sang the song’s first verse to me, emphasizing how Clark bends the word “blind.”

From Los Angeles Times

With the shuffling pieces in the secondary, the Chargers have emphasized communication to keep their defense intact.

From Los Angeles Times

Hands down, Golden emphasizes, divorce has proved to be the hardest thing she’s yet to go through in life.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accentuate
• affirm
• assert
• highlight
• indicate
• maintain
• point out
• reiterate
• repeat
• underline
• underscore