underline

verb

ˈən-dər-ˌlīn How to pronounce underline (audio)
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 The experts underlined their point with data for 2023-2026, which highlighted 134 co-productions between European countries, led by France-Belgian co-pros. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2026 Those voices helped elevate the story beyond the devastating statistics that underline the crisis in South Africa. — Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 28 Sep. 2026 And her Instagram post announcing the song featured exactly 12 exclamation points, possibly underlining its connection to her 12th album. — Bryan West, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026 The Kremlin wants the vote to underline public support for the war in Ukraine and give a veneer of legitimacy to it. — ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for underline
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underline
  1. emphasize
  2. reinforce
Verb
  • In Philadelphia, police emphasized that the false submission did not compromise department systems or interfere with homicide investigations.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Bajaria emphasizes that the focus is on developing regional and language-specific hits and to seed franchises that keep subscribers engaged.
    — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of emphasize
Verb
  • The experience reinforced her belief that Vancouver has plenty of animation talent, but still needs more infrastructure for independent creators.
    — Katherine Brodsky, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Its amino-acid complex helps smooth and strengthen strands from the inside out, while amaranth extract reinforces fragile hair and baobab extract helps improve elasticity and bounce.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of reinforce

Browse Nearby Words

underlies
underline
underlined
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Underline.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underline. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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