Definition of underlinenext
as in to emphasize
to indicate the importance of by giving prominent display the dean's speech underlined some of the impressive accomplishments racked up by members of the graduation class

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of underline That slight bounce underlines Phil’s optimistic breakthrough. Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 10 June 2026 Stock market performance has been strong recently, but a major drop earlier this month underlined the volatility of keeping your money fully invested in stocks and bonds. Matt Richardson, CBS News, 9 June 2026 In a presentation to the council in March, the urgency of the timeline was underlined. Adam Crafton, New York Times, 9 June 2026 The phrase did contain a kind of affection, the perverse, frank, aggressive kind that follows, or underlines, an assertion of control. Andrea Bajani, New Yorker, 7 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for underline
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underline
Verb
  • Suarez also acknowledged both teams' slow starts, emphasizing the Red Sox's need to contend.
    Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 22 June 2026
  • As Hinkley’s family and fiancée mourn the loss of a young man who still had his entire future ahead of him, prosecutors emphasized the scrutiny applied when criminal allegations involve an on-duty law enforcement officer.
    Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • Ukraine’s most important innovation may be its ability to integrate tactical drones, operational strike systems, strategic drone campaigns, artillery, aircraft and conventional ground forces into a mutually reinforcing system.
    Hunter LaCroix, Baltimore Sun, 20 June 2026
  • For Edwards, the reaction reinforced why authentic storytelling matters more than ever, especially in her field of work.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 20 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Underline.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underline. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.

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