Synonyms of punctuate

punctuate

verb

ˈpəŋk-chə-ˌwāt 

as in to emphasize

to indicate the importance of by centering attention on

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• emphasize
• highlight
• stress
• feature
• accent
• accentuate
• identify
• illuminate
• point (up)
• play up
• focus
• foreground
• promote
• bear down on
• pinpoint
• make much of
• press
• advertise
• publicize
• spotlight
• boost
• plug
• overplay

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• tone (down)
• play down
• minimize
• understate
• de-emphasize
• underemphasize
• disparage
• belittle
• discount

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of punctuate

The tragic and avoidable death of 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan, who was thrown from a runaway carriage, punctuates the urgent need for reform. — Wayne Pacelle, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026

But his profound reflections are punctuated by superb slapstick, slyly symbolic sleight-of-hand and, yes, some serious Shakespeare that make for an equally entertaining and thought-provoking hour. — Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 13 Aug. 2026

The psychedelic sequence that follows, punctuated by three European henchmen tailing the girls in a black SUV, is funny enough. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 2026

Meals are punctuated by the heavy thwack of Soto’s butcher knife chopping the meats against a large block of Sinaloan alamo wood, while music and TVs complete the din. — Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026